Optical property measurement system and method

ABSTRACT

In an illustrated embodiment, brightness, color, opacity and fluorescent contribution to brightness are measured by an on-line sensing head providing for simultaneous measurement of transmitted and reflected light. By measuring two independent optical parameters, paper optical properties of a partially translucent web are accurately characterized substantially independently of paper grade and weight. The instrument is designed so as to be capable of transverse scanning of a moving paper web on the paper machine, and so as to monitor desired paper optical characteristics with sufficient accuracy to enable on-line control of the optical characteristics of the paper being manufactured. Advantageously, several sets of reflectance and transmittance values based on respective common spectral response functions are sensed continuously and/or simultaneously during movement of the web.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of my copendingapplication Ser. No. 429,637 filed Dec. 28, 1973 (now abandoned) and ofmy copending application Ser. No. 540,251 filed Jan. 10, 1975, now U.S.Pat. No. 4,019,819, and the written disclosure and drawings of each ofthese copending applications are incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the prior art it is known to obtain an indication of color andbrightness characteristics of a paper web during manufacture by anon-line measurement of reflectance value (Rg), but this measurement isdecidedly different from that necessary for actual color and brightnesscharacterizations. Accordingly, such a measurement must be accompaniedby very frequent off-line testing, so as to enable an adequate empiricalcalibration of the measuring instrument. Further, a separate set ofcalibration parameters is required for each grade and weight of paper.Off-line instruments which adequately measure these characteristicsrequire that a pad of several thicknesses of paper be exposed to thelight source aperture so that a different reflectance value (Roo) isobtained. Obviously this is impossible with an on-line instrument unlessthe far more inaccessible reel itself is tested.

Only where the on-line measured reflectance value (Rg) approaches theoff-line value (Roo), as in instances of paper of extremely high opacitysuch as heavily coated or heavily dyed paper, can the above problems beminimized to the point where accuracy becomes sufficient for controlpurposes.

There is some possibility that the prior art includes the sequentialmeasurement of two separate reflectance parameters such as one with abacking of near zero absolute reflectance and one with a white backing,but there appears to be no concept of a multiple property measurementsystem and method utilizing corresponding multiple sets of parametermeasurements based on respective common spectral response functions andthe prior art concept may be largely limited to a direct determinationof Tappi opacity and/or to an abstract investigation of the feasibilityof determining absolute reflectance (Roo) at a given wavelength such as457 nanometers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an optical device and method for sensingoptical properties of a substantially homogeneous sheet material, andparticularly to an on-the-paper-machine device and method forsimultaneously sensing both transmitted and reflected light so as toobtain measurements from which the optical properties of interest can becalculated substantially independently of grade and weight of paperinvolved.

Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide anoptical monitoring device and method for sensing optical propertiesbased on measurements made on a single thickness of partiallytranslucent substantially homogeneous sheet material and whichmeasurements sufficiently characterize the actual properties of interestthat a minimum of empirical calibration is required regardless ofchanges in grade and weight of paper.

Another object of the invention is to provide such an optical monitoringdevice and method capable of accurately sensing two or more opticalproperties such as brightness, color, opacity and/or fluorescentcontribution to brightness preferably essentially continuously, or atleast substantially simultaneously, and especially adapted for operationwith a continuously moving web.

With such an optical monitoring device is useful off-line for sensingoptical properties of a single thickness sample, it is a furtherimportant object of the present invention to provide such an opticalmonitoring device which is of sufficiently light weight and compactconstruction so as to be adapted for on-line monitoring of the desiredoptical properties.

Another and further object of the invention is to provide anon-the-paper-machine optical monitoring device of sufficient flexabilityand accuracy to enable control of desired optical properties during thepaper making process.

A unique feature of the on-line optical monitoring device is its abilityto essentially simultaneously measure both reflected and transmittedlight. By measuring two independent optical parameters it is possible tothoroughly characterize the paper optical properties of a partiallytranslucent web with a minimum of empirical correction for factors suchas paper grade and weight. Preferably a plurality of sets of opticalparameters are sensed continuously or at least substantiallysimultaneously.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary somewhat diagrammatic longitudinal sectionalview of a paper machine showing in outline a side view of an opticalmonitoring device in accordance with the present invention operativelymounted on line with the machine;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary somewhat diagrammatic transverse sectional viewof the paper machine of FIG. 1 and taken generally as indicated by theline II--II of FIG. 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows (towardthe wet end of the paper machine), the view being taken so as to show inoutline a direct front view of the optical monitoring device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic longitudinal sectional view of one embodimentof an on-the-paper-machine optical monitoring device in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 4 is a partial diagrammatic plan view of the filter wheel assemblyutilized in the monitoring device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a somewhat diagrammatic view illustrating an optical analyzerunit in electrical association with the optical monitoring device ofFIGS. 1-4 and with a power supply unit;

FIG. 6 is an electric circuit diagram illustrating the electricalconnections between the various components of FIGS. 1-5;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an existing direct digital controlanalog point scan program which has been adapted to allow for thecollection and temporary storage of the reflectance and transmittancedata acquired from the system of FIGS. 1-6;

FIGS. 8-16 when arranged in a vertical series represent a programfourteen which is designed to read the reflectance and transmittancevalues stored pursuant to FIG. 7 and generally to control the operationof the system of FIGS. 1-6 and to apply correction factors to the rawreflectance and transmittance data;

FIGS. 17-20 when arranged in a vertical sequence represent a datareduction program forty-two whose purpose is to reduce the correctedreflectance and transmittance data as produced by the program of FIGS.8-16 into terms with which papermakers are familiar and upon which paperoptical specifications are based, e.g. brightness, opacity, color andfluorescence;

FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the embodiment described inthe section entitled "Proposed Instrument Design" of the aforementionedcopending applications;

FIG. 22 illustrates further details of the embodiment of FIG. 21 asdescribed in the copending applications;

FIG. 23 shows an embodiment similar to that of FIGS. 21 and 22, but withthe interior of the transmittance cavity providing the backing for thereflectance measurements; and

FIG. 24 shows an embodiment similar to that of FIGS. 21 and 22, bututilizing multiple sets of reflectance and transmittance optical lightpipes.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Detailed Description Of TheApparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2

FIGS. 1 and 2 will serve to illustrate the modifications of an existingpaper machine which are required for carrying out a preferred embodimentof the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, anon-the-paper-machine optical monitoring device is diagrammaticallyindicated at 10 and comprises an upper sensing head 11 and a lowersensing head 12 which are maintained in precise relative alignment anddisposed for operative association and transverse scanning movementrelative to a paper web located as indicated at 14 in FIGS. 1 and 2. Aswill be described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, in aparticular design of the optical monitoring device, upper head 11includes a light source for projecting light onto the web such that aportion of the light is reflected parallel to an optical axis indicatedat 15, while a further portion of the light is transmitted through thepaper web for collection and measurement by means of the lower sensinghead 12.

For purposes of illustration, FIGS. 1 and 2 show portions of an existingweb scanner construction which is utilized to scan the web 14 forconventional purposes. The conventional scanner construction includesfixed frame components such as 20, 21 and 22 forming what is known as an"O" type scanner frame. The conventional scanning structure furtherincludes upper and lower slides 25 and 26 for joint horizontal movementalong the horizontal beams 21 and 22. Associated with the slides 25 and26 are movable assemblies 27 and 28 carried by the respective slides 25and 26 and including vertically disposed plates 31 and 32 and angularlydisposed flange members such as indicated at 33 and 34 in FIG. 1. Theseflange portions 33 and 34 have broad surfaces lying in planes generallyparallel to the plane of the web 14 and are utilized for mounting of themonitoring device 10 of the present invention. In particular a top headmounting bracket is indicated at 41 in FIGS. 1 and 2 and is shown asbeing secured to the existing flange part 33 so as to mount the upperhead 11 for scanning movement with the assembly 27. Similarly a lowerhead mounting bracket is indicated at 42 and is shown as being securedto flange part 34 of the lower movable assembly 28 so as to mount thelower sensing head 12 for scanning movement jointly with the uppersensing head 11.

For the purpose of electrical connection with the monitoring device 10during its traverse of the web 14, electric cables are indicated at 51and 52 for electrical connection with the components of the uppersensing head 11 and lower sensing head 12 of the monitoring device 10.The cable 51 is shown as being fastened by means of straps 53 and 54 toa top carrier slide bracket 55. The bracket is shown as being secured bymeans of fasteners 56 and 57 to the upper portion of vertical plate 31.As indicated in FIG. 2, successive loops of cable 51 are secured toswivel type ball bearing carriers such as indicated at 61. A trolleytrack 62 is supported from existing channels such as indicated at 63 andmounts the carriers 61 for horizontal movement as required toaccommodate the scanning movement of the monitoring device 10 across thewidth of the web 14. Similarly, successive loops of the cable 52 arefastened to the eyes such as indicated at 71 of a lower series ofcarriers 72. As seen in FIG. 1 each of the carriers such as 72 includesa pair of rollers such as 73 and 74 riding in the trolley track 75 whichis secured directly to the lower flange 22a of beam 22. A lower carrierslide bracket 81 is secured to vertical plate 32 by means of fasteners82 and 83 and is provided with a horizontally extending flange 84 forengaging with the first of the series of lower carriers 72. Inparticular, carrier 72 is provided with a shank 85 which extends into alongitudinal slot 84a of flange 84. Thus, the first carrier 72 isinterengaged with the bracket 81 and is caused to move with the lowerassembly 28 and the lower sensing head 12. The remaining lower carrierssuch as that indicated at 83 move along the trolley track 75 asnecessary to accommodate movement of the monitoring device 10transversely of the web 14.

While FIGS. 1 and 2 have illustated the optical monitoring device of thepresent invention as being mounted on line with the paper machine andhave further illustrated the case where the monitoring device is to bescanned transversely of the web, it is considered that the opticalmonitoring device of the present invention would also be of great valueif redesigned for bench mounting. By placing a single sheet of paper ina sample mount of the device, a technician could simultaneously test thesample for color, brightness, fluorescence, and opacity in a matter ofseconds.

In the illustrated embodiment, however, it is contemplated that themonitoring device 10 will be mounted on line with the paper machine andwill be capable of movement to a position clear of the edge of the webas indicated in FIG. 2 at the end of each hour of operation, forexample. When the end of a production run for a given web 14 has beenreached, or when a web break occurs for any reason (such as accidentalseverance of the given web), the monitoring device 10 will be movedclear of the edge of the web path as indicated in FIG. 2. Each time themonitoring device 10 is moved to the off-web position shown in FIG. 2 itis preferred that readings be taken of the reflectance and transmittancevalues (without the web in the optical path) for the purpose ofobtaining an updated calibration of the monitoring device. Thus, suchupdating of calibration may take place automatically (for example underthe control of a process control computer controlling the papermanufacturing operation) at hourly intervals and also after web breaks.The monitoring device can, of course, be retracted manually any timedesired by the operator for the purpose of checking calibration. By wayof example, the monitoring device 10 may be capable of a normal scanningtravel over a distance of 115 inches with provision for an additionaltravel of 16 inches to the position shown in FIG. 2. A flange isindicated at 87 which serves to insure proper re-engagement of thesensing head with the web at the operator's side of the illustratedpaper machine (opposite the side indicated in FIG. 2).

The lower head 12 is designed to contact the web 14 during scanningthereof. The design spacing between the upper and lower heads 11 and 12is 3/16 inch. The optical opening in the upper head 11 is aligned withthe optical axis 15 and is to be maintained in alignment with the centerof the window in the lower head 12. Four adjusting screws such as thoseindicated at 91 and 92 are provided for accurate positioning of theupper head 11. Similarly four position adjusting screws such as 93 and94 serve for the accurate positioning of the lower head in conjunctionwith set screws such as indicated at 95 and 96. The adjusting screws arelocated at each corner of mounting brackets 41 and 42.

Modifications of FIGS. 1 and 2 To Insure Accurate Scanning

Where the web is not perfectly horizontal, but instead is curved across,its width, it is desirable to provide a web deflecting guide bar asindicated at 97 in FIG. 3 for insuring stable contact between the web 14and the web engaging surface 98 of the lower sensing head 12. By way ofexample the guide bar may protrude from the lower surface of the uppersensing head a distance of 5/16 inch so as to overlap with respect tothe vertical direction a distance of 1/8 inch relative to the lowersensing head web contacting surface 98. The guide bar 97 may have awidth to force down at least about four inches of the width of the webat a section of web centered with respect to web engaging surface 98 ofthe lower sensing head relative to the machine direction. This insures aminimum of a 1/8 inch bellying of the sheet as it travels over the lowersensing head in all lateral positions of the sensing head.

In order to minimize changes in the 5/16 inch thickness dimension of theguide bar 97 due to wear, the guide bar is provided with a flat webengaging surface 97a which has a dimension in the direction of webmovement of about one inch. By way of example, the guide bar may be madeof Teflon.

Since the guide bar 97 is not necessary when the web is fed from thecalender stack to the reel in a relatively planar configuration, it hasnot been shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Various modifications may of course be made to adapt the monitoringdevice of the present invention to various types of paper machinery, andto secure any desired degree of accuracy in the joint scanning movementof the upper and lower sensing heads relative to the paper.

Structure Of The Optical Monitoring Device As Shown in FIGS. 3 and 4

Referring to FIG. 3, the upper sensing head 11 is shown as comprising acasing 110 having suitable connectors 111 and 112 for receiving suitableinternally threaded fittings 114 and 115, FIG. 1 associated with theelectric cable 51. The casing 110 receives a top head shoe 120 includingan interior open rectangular frame 121 having a base flange 12a spotwelded to shoe plate 122. The upstanding portion 121b engages theadjacent wall of casing 110 along all four sides thereof and is securedto the casing 110 by suitable fastening means such as indicated at 124and 125 in FIG. 3. An edge 122a of shoe plate 122 is bent up at an angleof 45° at the side of the sensing head 11 facing the wet end of thepaper machine, and a similar inclined edge 122b, FIG. 1, is provided ateach of the sides of the sensing head so as to present smooth faces tothe paper web during scanning movement of the sensing head. The shoeplate 122 is provided with a circular aperture of less than one inchdiameter as indicated at 130 centered on the optical axis 15 of thedevice. In a present embodiment aperture 130 has a diameter of about 7/8inch. This aperture 130 is preferably of minimum diameter necessary toaccommodate the light paths of the instrument. In the illustratedembodiment the light path for the incident light beam as indicated at133 is directed at an angle of approximately 45° and is focused toimpinge on a window 135 at the optical axis 15. A reflected light pathas indicated at 137 is normal to the web engaging surface 98 (which isthe upper surface of window 135), and is coincident with the opticalaxis 15, while light transmitted through the web 14 and through thewindow 135 is directed as indicated by rays 141-143, for example, intoan integrating cavity 145 of lower head 12.

The lower head 12 comprises a casing 150 having an annular dished plate151 secured thereto and providing a generally segmental sphericalweb-contacting surface 151a surrounding window 135. The window 135 ispreferably formed by a circular disk of translucent diffusing material.In the illustrated embodiment the window 135 is made of apolycrystalline ceramic material available under the trademark "Lucalux"from the General Electric Company. This material has physical propertiessimilar to that of sapphire. The opposite faces of window 135 are flatand parallel and the thickness dimension is 1/16 inch. A lip isindicated at 153 for underlying an annular edge portion of window 135.This lip provides a circular aperture 154 having a diameter of about15/16 inch so that the effective viewing area for the transmitted lightis determined by the diameter of aperture 154. The casing 150 is shownas being provided with an electrical connector terminal 155 forreceiving a suitable internally threaded fitting 156, FIG. 1, of cable52.

As diagrammatically indicated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper sensing head11 includes a light source 201, incident optical path means includinglenses such as indicated at 202 and a photocell 203 for measuringreflected light returning along the reflected light path 137. A filterwheel 210 is shown diagrammatically as being mounted on a shaft 208 forrotation by means of a low torque motor indicated at 209. As best seenin FIG. 4, the filter wheel includes an outer series of apertures211-217 for selective registry with the incident light beam path 133,and includes a series of inner apertures 221-227 for selective registrywith the reflective light beam path 137. The various apertures mayreceive suitable filter elements as will hereinafter be explained indetail such that a series of measurements may be taken by successivelyindexing the filter wheel 210 to successive operating positions. In eachoperating position one aperture such as 211 is in alignment with theincident beam path 133 and a second aperture such as indicated at 221 isin alignment with the reflected light beam path 137.

By way of example, the motor 209 may be continuously energized duringoperation of the monitoring device, and the filter wheel may be retainedin a selected angular position by engagement of a ratchet arm 230 withone of a series of cooperating lugs 231-237 arranged generally asindicated in FIG. 4 on the filter wheel 210. A solenoid is indicated at240 as being mechanically coupled with ratchet arm 230 for momentarilylifting the ratchet arm 230 out of engagement with a cooperating lugsuch as 231 so as to permit the filter wheel to index one position.Immediately upon release of the energization of solenoid 240, the forceof gravity returns the ratchet arm 230 to the position shown in FIG. 3so as to be disposed in the path of the lugs and thus to engage the nextlug in succession such as lug 232 as the motor 209 moves the filterwheel 210 into the next operating position.

As will hereafter be explained in greater detail, reed switches aremounted in circles on respective switching boards 241 and 242, FIG. 3,and the filter wheel shaft 208 carries a magnet 243 for actuating arespective pair of the reed switches in each operating position of thefilter wheel 210. Thus the position of the filter wheel 210 determineswhich of the switches on the switching boards 241 and 242 are closed. Aswill be explained hereinafter, the reed switch on the upper switchingboard 241 which is closed determines the gain setting of an upper headamplifier at a level appropriate for the set of filters which are in theoperating position. The reed switch on the lower switching board 242which is closed activates a relay on a circuit board 245 in the lowerhead 12, and such relay in turn sets the lower head amplifier gain atthe proper level. As will be explained in connection with the electriccircuit diagram for the monitoring device, certain conductors of thecable 51 may be interconnected at a remote location so as to cause anindexing movement of the filter wheel 210. This external command servesto momentarily energize solenoid 240 and lift the ratchet arm 230 aboutis pivot point 250, allowing the motor 209 to rotate the filter wheel210. The ratchet arm 230 returns to the position shown in FIG. 3 tocatch the next lug on the filter wheel stalling the motor 209.

Four heaters such as indicated at 251 are mounted around photocell 204so as to minimize the temperature variations of the photocell. A circuitboard for mounting an amplifier for photocell 203 and for mounting thegain setting resistances associated with the reed switches is indicatedat 255 in FIG. 3.

Referring to the lower head 12, FIG. 3 indicates a photocell 260 forreceiving light from the intergrating cavity 145 and a series of heaterssuch as 261 mounted around the photocell 260 to minimize the temperaturevariations of the photocell. Circuit board 245 may mount a suitableamplifier for photocell 260, the gain of which being controlled by therelays previously mentioned.

The heaters 251 and 261 in the prototype unit were PennsylvaniaElectronics Technology Type 12T55. (These are positive temperaturecoefficient thermistors with 55° C. switching temperatures.) Theseheaters will tend to stabilize the temperature since their ability toprovide heat decreases as the ambient temperature increases. Above 55°C., they provide essentially no heat at all.

Discussion of Illustrative Operating Details for the Monitoring Deviceof FIGS. 3 and 4

A basic feature of the illustrated embodiment resides in its ability tomeasure simultaneously both reflected and transmitted light. While inthe illustrated embodiment, the reflected light path 137 and thetransmitted light path intersect the web 14 essentially at a commonpoint, reflected light could be obtained from a point on the sample orweb offset from the point where light is transmitted through the sample.For example, a backing of some specified reflectance such as a blackbody of zero or near zero reflectance could be located on the lowersensing head just ahead of or behind the transmitted light receptorcompartment (with respect to the machine direction of the sample or thedirection of movement of the web). In this case the upper sensing headcould contain the light source as well as a reflected light receptor forreceiving light reflected from the sample or moving web at a pointdirectly above the backing of specified reflectance. Both the reflectedlight receptor in the upper sensing head and the transmitted lightreceptor in the lower sensing head could then supply signalssimultaneously and continuously during measurement operations. Manyother variations in the arrangement of the optics for measuring bothreflected and transmitted light will occur to those skilled in the art.

Referring to the details of the illustrated embodiment, however, and tothe case where it is desired to measure brightness, color, opacity andfluorescent contribution to brightness, light source 201, FIG. 3, mayconsist of a Model 1962 Quartzline lamp operated at 5.8 volts asmeasured at the lamp terminals. The 45° incident beam path 133 and thenormal reflected beam path 137 correspond to those of a standardbrightness testor, and a casting (not shown) from a bench type standardbrightness tester was used in constructing a prototype of theillustrated embodiment to give rigid support for the optical componentssuch as indicated at 202 and 271-276 in FIG. 3. In the specificprototype unit, a stock thickness polished Corning type 4-69 glassfilter 271 and a second type 4-69 filter 272 ground and polished to anappropriate thickness were used in the incident beam path to absorb mostof the infrared as well as to give proper spectral response.

The reflected light path 137 included a pair of lenses 273 and 274 whichfocus the light on a 3/8-inch aperture in the plate 275 of the casting.A piece of diffusing glass 276 is located on the 3/8-inch aperture sothat the light distribution over the surface of photocell 203 will bereasonably uniform. A Weston model 856 RR Photronic cell was employed.

The filter wheel 210 is designed and located in such a way that eitherthe incident or the reflected beam or both can be filtered as desired.In the prototype, the wheel 210 was driven by a small motor 209 operatedat reduced voltage so that it could operate continuously in a stalledcondition.

Commerically available color and brightness meters are usuallymanufactured with the spectral response filters located in the reflectedbeam. In the prototype device, and in the later on-machine version hereillustrated as well, however, the filters which determine the spectralresponse of the first six filter positions are located in the incidentbeam. There are two basic reasons for this choice of design.

(1) Both the reflected and transmitted light have the same incidentintensity and spectral response against which each can be compared. Thealternate would necessitate two sets of identical filters, one setlocated in the reflected beam and another in the transmitted beam--adifficult design to achieve in practice.

(2) Filters in the incident beam can be used to absorb all ultravioletlight and prevent it from striking the specimen. Thus, fluorescence, aphenomenon not accounted for by Kubelka-Munk theory is avoided.

For reasons explained shortly, the seventh filter position is anexception to the above in that substantial ultraviolet light isintentionally permitted to exist within the incident beam. Outside ofthe phenomenon of fluorescence the spectral response is independent ofwhether such filters are located in the incident or the reflected beams.

The spectral response provided by the respective positions of the filterwheel 210 were as follows: (1) papermaker's brightness (TAPPIbrightness), (2) blue portion of the E_(c) x function, (3) red portionof the E_(c) x function, (4) E_(c) z function without fluorescence (5)E_(c) y function, (6) E_(a) y function, and (7) E_(c) z function, withfluorescence.

As is understood in the art, the symbols E_(c) x, E_(c) y, E_(a) y, andE_(c) z refer to tristimulus functions of wavelength as defined by theCommission Internationale c l'Eclairage which is identified by theabbreviation C.I.E. and is also known as the International Committee onIllumination. The subscript a in the function designation E_(a) yindicates that the function is based on a standardized illuminationdesignated as C.I.E. Illuminant A, while the subscript c in the otherfunction designations refers to a somewhat different standardizedillumination which is designated as C.I.E. Illuminant C.

Filters for providing the above spectral response characteristics in therespective operating positions of the filter wheel 210 have beenindicated in FIG. 4 by reference numeral 281-288. In the specificexample under discussion, apertures 221-226 are left open. Filter 281 isa standard filter for use in measuring TAPPI brightness, TAPPI referringto the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry. This filtertransmits a narrow band of wavelengths in the vicinity of 457nanometers.

Filters 282-285 are standard filters for a four-filter colorimeter andare conventionally designated X (blue), X (red), Z, and Y_(C). Thesefilters provide the wavelength distributions required for themeasurement of the C.I.E. X, Y, and Z tristimulus values underIlluminant C.

Filter 286 is conventionally designated as a Y_(A) filter and isrequired by the TAPPI standard method for opacity measurements. This isa board band filter producing the C.I.E. Y wavelength distribution forIlluminant A, in conjunction with the source 201 previously described inthis section. A discussion bearing on the feasibility of this type ofmeasurement is found in a paper by L. R. Dearth, et al entitled "Studyof Instruments for the Measurement of Opacity of Paper, V. Comparison ofPrinting Opacity Determined with Several Selected Instruments", Tappi,volume 53, No. 3 (March, 1970).

With respect to position No. 7 of the filter wheel 210, filters 287 and288 are conventionally designated as Z (blue) and Z (yellow). Aspreviously indicated, the purpose of the filters is to provide for adetermination of the C.I.E. Z tristimulus value with the fluorescencecomponent included. In filter position No. 4, filter 284 serves toremove the ultraviolet component from the incident beam so that ameasure of the Z tristimulus value without fluorescence is obtained. Inposition No. 7 of the filter wheel, however, filter 287 in the incidentbeam is designed to transmit the ultraviolet component, so that thefluorescent component if any will be transmitted to photocell 203. Theultraviolet absorbing component of the Z type filter means is located inthe reflected beam 137, whereas this component is in the incident beamfor the No. 4 position. The fluorescent component is lineally related tothe difference between the Z tristimulus values determined in the No. 4and No. 7 positions of the filter wheel 210.

Filters 281-288 have been shown in FIG. 4 with different types ofhatching which have been selected to represent generally the differentlight transmission properties of the filters. In particular, thehatching for filters 281-288 are those for representing white, blue,red, blue, green, orange, blue and yellow light transmission properties.The selection of hatching is primarily for purposes of graphicalillustration and is not, of course, an exact representation of the lighttransmission properties of the respective filters.

Detailed Description of FIGS. 5 and 6

FIG. 5 illustrates diagrammatically the optical monitoring device 10 ofFIGS. 1-4, and illustrates by way of example an optical analyzer unit300 which may be electrically associated with the monitoring device andserve as an operator's console to be disposed at a convenient locationadjacent the paper machine. By way of example, the optical analyzer unitmay be mounted near the dry end of the paper machine, and may receiveconventional alternating current power from the paper machine dry endpanel. The optical analyzer unit 300 is illustrated as being coupledwith the monitoring device 10 via a power supply unit 301 which ismounted adjacent the vertical column 20, FIG. 2, of the "O" frame alongwhich the monitoring device is to travel in scanning the width of theweb. For purposes of diagrammatic illustration, power supply unit 301 isshown as being provided with a mounting plate 302 which is secured bymeans of a bracket 303 to an end of horizontal beam 22 which has beenspecifically designated by reference numeral 304 in FIGS. 2 and 5.Referring to FIG. 2, it will be observed that the ends 305 and 306 ofcables 51 and 52 are adjacent the end 304 of beam 22 so that this is aconvenient location for mounting of the power supply 301. The electricalinterconnections between the power supply unit 301 and the opticalanalyzer unit 300 are indicated as extending via a signal conduit 311and a control conduit 312. By way of example, the signal conduit 311 maycontain shielded electric cables for transmitting millivolt signals fromthe analogue amplifiers of the upper and lower sensing heads 11 and 12.The control conduit 312 may contain conductors which are respectivelyenergized to represent the angular position of filter wheel 210, and mayalso contain a conductor for controlling the indexing movement of thefilter wheel as will be explained in detail in connection with FIG. 6.

Referring to the optical analyzer unit 300 of FIG. 5, the front panel ofthe unit has been diagrammatically indicated at 320 as being providedwith a series of lamps 321-327 for indicating the angular position ofthe filter wheel 210 within the upper sensing head 11. The lamps 321-327have been numbered 1 through 7 in correspondence with the sevenpositions of the filter wheel, and the color of the lamps, for example,may be selected so as to signify the characteristics of the filterslocated in the openings of the filter wheel such as those indicated at211-217.

In order to provide a visual indication of the amplitude of themillivolt signals supplied from the sensing heads 11 and 12, a suitablemeter is indicated at 330 and a selector switch is indicated at 331 forselectively supplying to the meter the analogue signal from the uppersensing head 11 or from the lower sensing head 12. A switch 332 isindicated for controlling the supply of conventional alternating currentpower to the meter, and a second switch 333 is indicated for controllingthe supply of energizing power for the lamps 321-327. Another switch 334may be momentarily actuated so as to index the filter wheel 210 to adesired station. The switches 331-334 may, of course, take any desiredform, and have merely been indicated diagrammatically in FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 6, various of the components previously referred tohave been indicated by electrical symbols, and for convenience ofcorrelation of FIG. 6 with FIGS. 1 through 5, the same referencecharacters have been utilized. In particular, FIG. 6 shows symbolicallya light source 201, associated photocells, 203 and 260, filter wheeldrive motor 209, control solenoid 240, and permanent magnet 243 whichrotates with the filter wheel 210 so as to represent the angularposition of the filter wheel. Also shown in FIG. 6, are the four heaters251 associated with photocell 203, and the four heaters 261 associatedwith the photocell 260. Further, lamps 321-327, millivoltmeter 330 andswitches 331-334 of the optical analyzer unit 300 have been symbolicallyindicated in FIG. 6.

Referring first to the components associated with the upper sensing head11, there is illustrated in the upper left part of FIG. 6 a diode 340connected across solenoid 240. For diagrammatic purposes, permanentmagnet 243 is shown arranged between two series of reed switches 341-347and 351-357. A further reed switch 358 is indicated for actuation in thenumber 1 position of the filter wheel 210 along with switches 341 and351. The conductors 359 and 360 associated with switch 358 may beconnected with the optical analyzer unit 300, and may be connected viathe optical analyzer unit 300 with a remote computer, where theillustrated apparatus forms part of a computer control system forcontrolling the associated paper machinery.

The reed switches 341-347 are shown as being associated with anoperational amplifier 361, so that switches 341-347 serve to select thedesired value of feed back resistance for the amplifier in each positionof the filter wheel 210. Thus, switches 341-347 served to selectivelyconnect in parallel with resistance 370, additional resistance values371-377, respectively, for adjusting the total resistance between theinput and output terminals of the amplifier 361. Thus, in the number 1position of the filter wheel, permanent magnet 243 is in a position toactuate switch 341, and connect resistance value 371 in parallel withresistor 370. As will hereinafter be explained, resistance means 371-377may include variable resistors for adjustment so as to provide thedesired gain of amplifier 361 in the respective filter positions, orfixed resistance values may be inserted as indicated, once the desiredvalues have been determined for a given filter wheel. As indicated inFIG. 6, the output of amplifier 361 may be transmitted by means ofshielded cables 381 and 382. These cables form part of the overall cableindicated at 51 in FIG. 5 leading from the upper sensing head 11 to thepower supply unit 301.

Also forming part of the cable 51 would be the conductors such asindicated at 383 from the respective reed switches 351-357. Theseconductors such as 383 would connect with respective conductors 391-397of cable 52 leading from the power supply 301 to the lower sensing head12.

Included as part of the power supply unit 301 would be components suchas relay actuating coil 401, associated normally open contact 402, andresistors 403 and 404 shown at the upper left in FIG. 6. Further, thepower supply would include an adjustable direct current lamp powersupply component 410 for supplying a precisely adjusted or controlledelectrical energization for light source 201. Further, of course, thepower supply would supply the required direct current operatingpotentials for the upper sensing head as indicated in FIG. 6.

The lower left section of FIG. 6 illustrates the electrical componentsof the lower sensing head 12. In the lower sensing head, conductors391-397 control energization of the operating coils of respective relaysK1 through K7. With the permanent magnet 243 in the number 1 position,reed switch 351 is closed, and operating coil 420 of relay K1 isenergized closing the associated relay contact 421. The remaining relaysK2 through K7 are deenergized, so that the respective associatedcontacts 422-427 remain open. The contacts 421-427 serve to control theresistance in the feed back path of operational amplifier 429 inconjunction with resistor 430 and resistance means 431-437. As explainedin reference to the upper sensing head, resistance means 431-437 mayinclude adjustable resistors, or fixed resistors as shown selected toprovide the desired gain of amplifier 429 for the respective positionsof the filter wheel 210. The shielded cables 441 and 442 from the outputof amplifier 429 connect with power supply unit 301 as part of cable 52.The outputs from the amplifiers 361 and 429 are conducted from the powersupply unit 301 to the optical analyzer unit 300 via signal conduit 311,and within the optical analyzer unit connect with respective terminalsof the selector switch 331 as indicated at the lower part of FIG. 6.Thus, in the upper position of the selector 331, the output of amplifier361 is connected with the meter 330, while in the lower position ofselector 331, the output of amplifier 429 is supplied to the meter 330.Of course, the optical analyzer 300 may further include analogue todigital converters for converting the outputs of the amplifiers 361 and429 to digital form for transmission to a remote computer, for example.It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the remote computercould be programmed to control the sequential actuation of relay 401during each increment of scanning movement of the monitoring device 10so as to obtain readings from each desired sampling region of the web 14for each of the seven positions of the filter wheel 210. The remotecomputer would then be in a position to correspondingly determine theaverage optical characteristics of a given length section of the paperweb 14, for example, and control suitable inputs to the paper machine soas to maintain desired optical characteristics of the paper beingmanufactured. Alternatively, of course, the arrangement of FIGS. 1-6 canbe utilized simply to take readings from the meter 330 for each filterwheel position during scanning of the web, so as to obtain readingsreflecting the optical characteristics of the length sections of the webso scanned. Still further, of course, the circuitry of FIGS. 5 and 6 canbe utilized either with the monitoring device located in a fixedposition relative to the width of the web (by means of a C-type frame),or with the device off-line from the paper machine, so as to obtaindesired readings from the meter 330 for each position of the filterwheel 210 during optical excitation of a single sheet sample of the webheld in a sample holder so as to be disposed essentially as indicatedfor the web 14 in FIG. 3.

Exemplary Commercially Available Components

Commercially available components which are included in the presentdesign of FIGS. 1-6 are as follows.

Main power supply. Lambda Electronics Corporation Model LQS-DA-5124providing a direct current (DC) output voltage of 24 volts and a maximumcurrent at 40° C. of 5 amperes.

Reed switches. For reflectance amplifier gain settings--Model MMRR-2,and for transmittance amplifier gain settings-Model MINI-2, manufacturedby Hamlin, Inc. The relays in the lower sensing head of Type 821A ofGrigsby-Barton, Inc.

Operational amplifiers, Model 233J chopper stabilized amplifiers ofAnalog Devices, Inc. Model 904 power supply supplying plus or minus 15volts with a minimum full load output current of plus or minus 50milliamperes.

Digital panel meter (used for off-line studies and for on-line operationbefore being interfaced with the computer). Weston Model 1290.

Filter wheel advance solenoid Type T 12×13-C-24 volt DC flat plugplunger of Guardian Electric Manufacturing Company. Antibottoming washermade of polyurethane rubber. Operation of the solenoid until interfacedwith the computer has been with the use of a time adjusted relay, namelya Model CG 102A6 transistorized repeat cycle timer of G. & W. EagleSignal Co.

Filter wheel drive motor. Type 1AD3001 Siemens brushless DC motor. Thedrive belt and pulleys for coupling the motor 209 with the shaft 208 arespecified as positive drive belt FS-80 and positive drive pulleys FC5-20and FC5-40 of PIC Design Corporation, a Benrus subsidiary. The belt hasa stainless steel core and the pulleys have a 1/4 inch diameter bore.

Computer Interfacing

In preparing the monitoring device for on-line operation on the papermachine, the zero to 140 millivolt DC signals from the sensing headswill be supplied to respective emf-to-current converters of component501, FIG. 6. As an example, Rochester Instrument Systems Model SC-1304emf-to-current converters may be used. Such a converter will provide anoutput of 10 to 50 milliamperes DC suitable for driving an analog todigital converter at the computer. The emf-to-current converters willprovide an isolated input and output so that grounding will not be aproblem.

The converters are component 501, will be housed with optical analyzer300, FIG. 5, and will connect with respective points thirty one ofGroups five hundred and six hundred (not shown) at the control computeranalog signal input via conductors such as indicated at 502 and 503 inFIG. 6.

Conductors 505 and 506, FIG. 6, associated with filter wheel indexingsolenoid 240, FIGS. 3 and 6, may extend within control conduit 312, FIG.5, and connect with the control computer output terminals at a locationdesignated Group forty two hundred and six, point nineteen (not shown).(Switch 334 should remain open (off) during computer operation of FIGS.1-6.)

Conductors 359 and 360, FIG. 6, may connect with an input of the controlcomputer at a location designated Group fourteen hundred, pointtwenty-three (not shown).

DISCUSSION OF AN EARLIER PROTOTYPE SYSTEM Structure and Operation of aPrototype Optical Monitoring Device

A prototype optical monitoring device was first constructed so as totest the feasibility of the concepts of the present invention. As aresult of the experimental work with the prototype system, a preferredsystem has been designed and will hereinafter be described in greaterdetail. Since the operation of the prototype system is somewhatdifferent from that of the later designed system, a description of theprototype system will serve to illustrate alternative features and analternative method of operation in accordance with the presentinvention.

In the original setting up of the prototype system, the upper and lowersensing heads should be brought into proper alignment and spacing. Thespacing should be just under 1/4-inch between the case 110 and thesurface of the diffusing glass of window 135. (In the prototype unit,there were no additional parts between the case 110 and window 135 suchas the shoe plate 122 shown in FIG. 3.) The lower sensing head should bemoved laterally in all directions to locate the point where the maximumreading occurs from photocell 260 as well as the point of leastsensitivity to relative movement of the upper and lower sensing heads.In an initial calibration of the prototype monitoring device,potentiometers are included as part of the resistance means 371-377 and431-437 and are adjusted for the respective positions of the filterwheel 210 to give the correct readings for the reflectance andtransmittance of the diffusing glass 135 (in the absence any papersample between the upper and lower sensing heads). The values which wereused in this initial calibration are indicative of percentage absolutereflectance and transmittance on a scale of 100, and are as follows:

                  TABLE 1                                                         ______________________________________                                        Table Showing Exemplary Calibration                                           for the Prototype System-                                                     Diffusing Glass Reflectance and Transmittance                                 Values With No Paper Specimen Present                                         Filter Wheel  Reflectance   Transmittance                                     Position      Value, RSD    Value, TSD                                        No.           (Millivolts)  (Millivolts)                                      ______________________________________                                        1             35.4          54.0                                              2             35.0          56.1                                              3             34.4          56.9                                              4             34.6          56.6                                              5             34.7          56.4                                              6             34.5          56.6                                              7             34.8          0.6*                                              ______________________________________                                         *The transmittance value of the No. 7 filter position is not needed, and      consequently a low amplification of this signal was arbitrarily selected.

The readings in millivolts can be converted to other desired units bycomparing the readings in millivolts for a given paper specimen with thereadings obtained with a standard laboratory instrument, measuring thereflectance of the specimen with the laboratory instrument while backingthe paper sheet with a piece of Lucalux and a black body. By measuringthe reflectance of the single sheet backed with a black body (nofluorescence), the value of transmittance for the specimen can becalculated and this calculated value utilized for calibrating the lowersensing head. If the fluorescent component is included in the laboratoryinstrument, and if fluorescence is involved, the fluorescence componentcan be determined by means of a standard reflection meter, and thefluorescent component can then be subtracted from the measured databefore making the calculation of transmittance.

The laboratory testing of the prototype system confirmed that amonitoring device such as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 should have apotential accuracy equal to that of comparable off-line testers providedcertain web scanning requirements are met.

Laboratory tests were run on color standard samples of the grades andcolors usually run on the paper machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Inaddition, a variety of opaques, and a variety of colored 50 pound and 70pound offsets were included in the tests. A four centimeter diametercircle was scribed on each sample to insure that all tests would be donewithin the same 12 square centimeter section of the sample. Values ofR_(o), R_(oo), and TAPPI opacity measurements were made on the availablestandard laboratory instruments. All test were made on the felt side ofthe sample with the grain in the standard direction. For R_(oo)measurements, the samples were backed by piles of tabs cut from the edgeof the same sheet of paper. In addition to the TAPPI opacity measured onthe standard opacimeter, TAPPI opacity was calculated via Kubelka-Munktheory from data obtained with a standard automatic color-brightnesstester.

The sample paper samples were clamped to a holder which held the sampleunder tension with the lower head of the monitoring device bellying1/8-inch to 1/4-inch into the sheet. The grain of the sheet was orientedparallel to the longitudinal axis of the upper sensing head (that is themachine direction of the sheet was in the same orientation as wouldoccur on the paper machine as indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2). The felt sidewas always up. Care was taken to make sure that the tested area waswithin the twelve square centimeter circle scribed on the sample.

The transmittance and reflectance readings were taken from a digitalvolt meter attached to the output terminals of amplifiers 361 and 429.Calibration data was taken off the Lucalux with no sheet present. Testvalues were taken on all filters with the sheet in place. Thetransmittance and reflectance values were keyed into a standardcalculator with the calibration data. The calculator was programmed tocalculate the color (in C.I.E. X, Y, Z, for example), fluorescentcomponent, brightness, TAPPI opacity and printing opacity (based onY_(c)). By supplying the basis weight, the computer could also berequested to calculate s, the scattering coefficient (an index of theeffect of pigment efficiency and fiber surface area), and k, theabsorption coefficient (an index of the effectiveness of dyes in thesheet). The coefficients s and k are essentially independent of basisweight. Kubelka-Munk theory is the basis of the calculations used.

All of the samples were tested without changing the relative position ofthe two sensing heads. One set of data was obtained with the heads in avariety of positions to determine the effect of geometric variations.

Since fluorescence is not compatible with Kubelka-Munk theory, theprototype system was carefully designed so that all data used forKubelka-Munk analyses have excluded fluorescence. The prototype systemmeasures fluorescence separately. A fluorescent contribution isdetermined from the prototype data by subtracting the Z distributionreflectance without fluorescence (filter wheel position No. 4) from theZ distribution reflectance with fluorescence (filter wheel position No.7), and multiplying by the appropriate factor.

An independent check on fluorescence measurements, a modified brightnesstester was utilized which had a filter wheel allowing for standardbrightness and Z distribution filters to be put in the reflected beam.In addition, the filter wheel contained brightness and Z distributionfilters which had been modified by removing the ultraviolet absorbingcomponent of these filters. A special mount allows the operator to putthe appropriate ultraviolet absorbing filter in the incident beam. Thus,measurements of brightness and C.I.E. Z tristimulus, with and withoutfluorescence, could be made. Fluorescent contributions were calculatedby difference. Some measurements were made on signal sheets with astandard backing. Most of the samples were measured with an infinitepack of tabs. The incident beam filter of the prototype's No. 7 positionwas such that it permitted about twice the standard quantity ofultraviolet light to strike the specimen. Consequently, measurements ofthe fluorescent contribution measured on the modified brightness testerand the prototype system correlated well (correlation coefficient of0.992) but the modified brightness tester value is only 0.528 as largeas that measured by the prototype system. Calculations of prototype datanow involve calculation of the fluorescent component by multiplying thedifference of filter positions No. 7 and No. 4 by 0.528.

Because only one fluorescent dye (Tinopal) in all of the paper specimenswas used, the fluorescent contribution needed to be measured only once.The prototype data provides a basis for measuring the fluorescentcomponent Z. Measurements by an independent laboratory showed that thepaper specimens do not fluoresce significantly in the X (red) or Ydistributions; therefore, fluorescent contributions need only bedetermined for the blue colored distributions. A linear regression wasrun on the independent laboratory data which demonstrated that thefluorescent component for X (blue) can be predicted by multiplying thefluorescent component for Z by 1.204. A regression run on fluorescentdata from the modified brightness tester shows that the fluorescentcontribution for brightness can be calculated by multiplying thefluorescent contribution for Z by 0.864. In summary, fluorescentcontributions are calculated by the following formulas:

F_(Z) =0.528 (Z reflectance with fluorescence minus Z reflectancewithout fluorescence.)

F_(X)(blue) =1.204 F_(Z)

F_(Brightness) =0.864 F_(Z)

These fluorescent contributions are added to the respective calculatedR_(oo) values when calculating optical properties from prototype data.The test results for fluorescent and non-fluorescent papers agree withvalues measured on the standard automatic color-brightness tester.

Discussion of the Results of Mechanical Life Testing of the PrototypeSystem and Design Features Selected for the Preferred System In Light ofSuch Life Testing

The following details concerning the results of life testing of theprototype system are considered to reflect minor problems ofconstruction and operation which considered individually are readilycorrected for by those skilled in the art. In order to minimize theburden of the total number of such minor problems, and thus to expeditepractice of the prototype system, solutions to the various problemswhich were encountered are briefly referred to.

The filter wheel is advanced by a low torque stallable motor. A timingbelt links sprockets on the motor and the filter wheel shaft. Theoriginal timing belt had a dacron core. The core of the original beltbroke in two places resulting in stretching and eventual loss of teeth.Uneven rate of rotation of the filter wheel occurred due to binding ofthe belt. Eventually, the plastic drive sprocket broke. Both sprocketswere replaced with stainless steel sprockets and the timing belt wasreplaced with a belt containing a steel core. Installation of the steelsprockets and steel core belt revealed that excessive belt tension couldstall the motor. The motor mount holes were slotted allowing the motorto pivot slightly around one mounting screw. Belt tension was adjustedby pivoting the motor. It is concluded that future models should includean idler wheel or some other means of adjusting the tension of thetiming belt.

Some problems were experienced with respect to indexing of the filterwheel with the ratchet arm sticking on the tooth so that the ratchet armdoes not clear the tooth when a command is given to index the filterwheel. The remedy has been to reduce the roughness of the matingsurfaces by filing on the tooth, or smoothing the tooth with a stone. Infuture models, the shapes and/or smoothness of the ratchet arm and theteeth should be altered to minimize sticking. One solution would be toprovide the ratchet arm and the teeth with highly polished matingsurfaces.

The ratchet arm is lifted by a 24 volt direct current solenoid. Aftersome time, the plunger of the solenoid became magnetized and would stickto the inside of the coil. This "hanging up" would prevent the ratchetarm from catching the next tooth. A resistor was installed in serieswith the solenoid coil to reduce the strength of the magnetic field. Theplunger of the solenoid was coated with a special material. The coatedplunger worked well for about three months before it, too, magnetizedenough to hang up. The solution adopted was to provide the solenoid witha flat topped plunger which is stopped at the end of its stroke by abumper of rubber-like material.

The response of a photocell is somewhat temperature sensitive. For thisreason, it is necessary to keep the photocells at a constanttemperature. Ambient temperatures on the O-frame of the No. 6 papermachine indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2 have been measured as high as 118°F.(48° C.) in the summer. The photocells in both heads are mounted inmassive metal blocks. Each metal block has four thermistor heatersmounted in close proximity to the photocell. These thermistors haveswitching temperatures of 55° C., (that is about 130° F.). The intentionof this design was to add enough heat to the instrument to hold thetemperature steady at about 55° C. During bench studies, thistemperature was never reached due to the low capacity of the heaters. Atmachine room temperatures, however, the instrument temperature may reach55° C.

During the bench studies, it was found that the heaters did minimizetemperature variations. The few degrees of temperature variation thatwere observed during normal operation usually occurred slowly. Changesin instrument temperature affected the output signal less thanacticipated. Based on this experience in the laboratory, the maximumvariation in head temperature should be less than 3° F. per hour.Temperature variations of this magnitude will not have a significanteffect on the output signal. Long term temperature changes would becorrected for by the calibrations each time the head goes off web.

In the laboratory, there was a minimum of dirt problems. On the machine,however, the hole could allow dirt to enter the upper head. Up to apoint, dirt on the lenses and filters will be corrected for by theperiodic calibration routine. Excessive dirt, however, will reduce thesensitivity of the instrument and may even affect its accuracy. Periodiccleaning of the lexses and filters will be required. If dirt accumulatestoo rapidly, it may be necessary to attach an air purge to the upperhead.

The lower head of the prototype system is completely sealed so that nodirt problem is anticipated inside the lower head. Because the Lucoluxwindow is in contact with the sheet, friction will keep it clean.

Most of the filters consisted of two or three component parts. Therehave been some problems with dirt getting between the components of thefilters.

The case on the lower head as well as the case on the upper head shouldallow most general maintenance and trouble-shooting to be done withoutdismounting the head. A completely removable case would be desirable. Ata minimum access should be provided for the following: (1) convenientlight bulb change, (available on the prototype), (2) cleaning of lenses,(available on the prototype), (3) cleaning of the filters. (Access ispresently available to one side of each filter. The side which is mostlikely to collect dirt is not accessible in the prototype.) (4) Theamplifier. The amplifier is a standard plug-in module. In the event of abreakdown it could be replaced in seconds if it is accessible.Furthermore, it is necessary to remove the amplifier to do anytrouble-shooting on the gain circuitry. (5) The circuit board holdingall of the gain control resistors. The choice of gain circuitry iscontrolled by reed switches which are not accessible on the prototypewithout a partial disassembly of the instrument. Malfunctions of thereed switches, however, can easily be diagnosed by removing theamplifier and taking resistance measurements on the gain controlcircuits. There is also the possibility of mechanical or electricaldamage to a resistor or a potentiometer mounted on this circuit board.With proper access a damaged part could be replaced in five to twentyminutes. (6) The photocell. With proper access, the photocell could bereplaced quickly and easily. (7) The heater. The heater are adjacent tothe photocell and are generally just as easily serviced. (8) Indexingmechanism. The present accessibility to the ratchet teeth, rachet armand solenoid is adequate but not very convenient on the prototype. Acertain amount of access to these parts is needed to correct chronicindexing problems such as sticking and "hanging up".

The filters are presently mounted in the filter wheel of the prototypeby spring clips. Most of the filters are compound filters containing asmany as four component pieces of glass. During laboratory trials,increases in the optical density of a filter were frequently observedwhich could not be corrected by cleaning the surfaces of the filter.Upon removing one of the filters, it was discovered that foreignmaterial was collecting between the components of the compound filter.The use of lens cleaning solution on the filters may have acceleratedthe problem if capillary action drew foreign material between thecomponents. A set of gaskets and some type of threaded mount should beused to mount the filters in such a way as to minimize foreign material(including cleaning solutions) from getting between the components ofcompound filters.

In mounting the prototype sensing heads on an O-frame, it is necessaryto bring the geometric alignment of the heads as close to their optimumrelationship as possible. The original intention was to set the gapbetween the heads with the aid of a spacer; however, flexibility of thesheet metal case of the prototype upper sensing head prevented the useof a spacer for setting the gap. Accordingly, the shoe plate 122 of thenew upper sensing head shown in FIG. 3 has been made of a thickness andconsequent rigidity so as to enable the use of a spacer gauge to set thegap between the upper and lower heads. (The gap is reduced by 1/16 inchto 3/16 inch because of the thickness of shoe plate 122.)

The gap between the heads is a most critical dimension as far ascalibration and reproducability is concerned. In the prototype it wasintended to calibrate relative to an average gap, thus correcting thereadings for variations in the gap from the average gap.

One of the criteria used in designing the prototype was minimum headlength in the machine direction. Unfortunately, the upper head wasturned 90° in order to give the prototype unit the same geometry as theGeneral Electric Brightness Meter, Automatic Color-Brightness Tester,and Hunterlab Color Meter. In this new position, the prototype head is121/4 inches long in the machine direction plus 21/2 inches for cableconnectors. Redesign should be possible to reduce the machine directiondimension to about 8 inches and to relocate the position of the cableconnections.

The lining of the case for the upper head should be matte as well asblack to prevent reflection of ambient light within the case and apossible spurious effect on the photocell reading.

Conclusions from Mechanical Testing of the Prototype System

Following the correction of miscellaneous start up problems theprototype system was found to function well mechanically. As a test ofits durability, the prototype system was placed in continuous operationfor a period of over ten months and no serious mechanical problemsresulted except the failure of the solenoid. The solenoid failure wasexpected and the replacement solenoid is of a design which is expectedto give a long service life. The light application of silicone lubricantspray to the indexing control ratchet arm and cooperating teethcorrected a problem of malfunctioning of the filter wheel indexingmechanism (which occurred on two occasions during the ten months). Theprototype system was not intended to be a low maintenance instrument;however, the experience during the durability test with the prototype incontinuous operation indicates that the prototype system should operateon a paper machine with an acceptably small amount of down time.

DISCUSSIOIN OF LABORATORY TESTING OF FIGS. 3-6 Laboratory Operation ofthe System of FIGS. 3-6

In the prototype system, potentiometers are included as part of theresistance means 371-377 and 431-437 and are adjusted for the respectivepositions of the filter wheel 210 to give desired values such as givenin the foregoing Table 1. In the preferred system of FIGS. 3-6, thesepotentiometers for adjusting amplifier gain are omitted and are replacedwith fixed resistors 371-377 and 431-437 selected to give scale readingsfrom meter 330 in the respective filter wheel positions which are wellabove the values given in the preceding Table 1. This is intended toimprove the stability and increase the sensitivity of measurement.

In calculating optical parameters from measurements relative to varioussamples, values were first established for the reflectance RD of thediffuser 135, FIG. 3, in the absence of a paper specimen, for eachfilter wheel position. Initially calculated values for RD were used in afirst computation of optical values, and then the values of RD wereadjusted slightly to give the best agreement with the correspondingoptical measurements by means of the standard automatic color-brightnesstester. The following table shows the reflectance values which wereestablished for certain laboratory testing of the system of FIGS. 3-6.

                  TABLE 2                                                         ______________________________________                                        Table Showing Reflectance                                                     of the Diffusing Glass With                                                   No Paper Specimen Present                                                     in a Laboratory Test of the                                                   System of FIGS. 1-6                                                           Filter Wheel              Diffusing Glass                                     Position No.  Symbol      Reflectance Value                                   ______________________________________                                        1             RD1         0.349                                               2             RD2         0.347                                               3             RD3         0.355                                               4             RD4         0.349                                               5             RD5         0.354                                               6             RD6         0.354                                               7             RD7         0.349                                               ______________________________________                                    

The transmittance of the diffusing glass 135 need not be known since theratio of the transmittance of the diffusing glass and paper (in series)to the transmittance of the diffusing glass is employed in calculatingthe desired optical parameters.

A computer program was developed to process the data collected duringlaboratory operation of the monitoring device 10 as well as to comparethe calculated reflectance value R_(oo) and the calculated fluorescentcomponents with the data collected with the standard automaticcolor-brightness tester. A listing of the symbols employed in a symbolicstatement of the computer program in the Fortran computer languageutilized in this laboratory study is set forth in Table 3 on thefollowing pages.

                  TABLE 3                                                         ______________________________________                                        Listing of Symbols (Including Input Data Symbols and                          Output Data Symbols With a Brief Indication of Their                          Significance).                                                                ______________________________________                                                  Input Data Symbols                                                  RSD       OMOD scale reading for reflectance with no                                    paper specimen in place. (Filters 1 through                                   6.)                                                                 RSP       OMOD scale reading for reflectance with                                       paper specimen in position. (Filters 1 through                                6.)                                                                 TSD       OMOD scale specimen reading for transmittance with                            no paper specimen in place. (Filters 1                                        through 6.)                                                         TSP       OMOD scale reading for transmittance with                                     paper specimen in position. (Filters 1                                        through 6.)                                                         RSD7      OMOD scale reading for reflectance with no                                    specimen in place. (No. 7 filter.)                                  RSP7      OMOD scale reading for reflectance with                                       paper specimen in position. (No. 7 filter.)                         AR.sub.oo FC                                                                            ACBT reflectance including the fluorescent                                    component.                                                          AFC       ACBT fluorescent component.                                         RSD4      OMOD scale reading for reflectance with no                                    paper specimen in place. (No. 4 filter.)                            RSP4      OMOD scale reading for reflectance with                                       paper specimen in position. (No. 4 filter.)                         GC        Grade Correction as determined by the                                         difference between R.sub.oo FC and AR.sub.oo FC                               for each sample and each filter.                                              Output Data Symbols                                                 R.sub.o   Reflectance of a single sheet backed with a                                   black body (no fluorescence) as calculated                                    from OMOD data.                                                     T         Transmittance of a single sheet backed with                                   a black body (no fluorescence) as calculated                                  from OMOD data.                                                     R.sub.oo  Reflectance of an opaque pad (no fluores-                                     cence) as calculated from OMOD data.                                R.sub.oo FC                                                                             Reflectance of an opaque pad (including                                       fluorescence) as calculated from OMOD data.                         AR.sub.oo FC                                                                            Reflectance of an opaque pad (including                                       fluorescence) ACBT.                                                 DIFF      Difference between R.sub.oo FC and AR.sub.oo FC.                    FC        Fluorescent component OMOD.                                         AFC       Fluorescent component ACBT.                                         GC        Grade Correction as determined by the                                         difference between R.sub.oo FC and AR.sub.oo FC for                           each sample and each filter.                                        Additional Symbols                                                                          Used in the Computation                                                       of the Output Data from                                                       the Input Data)                                                 RK        Reflectance correction factor                                                 (assigned a value of 1.000 for                                                laboratory operation).                                              TK        Transmittance correction factor                                               (assigned a value of 1.000 for                                                laboratory operation).                                              RD        Value representing the absolute                                               reflectance of the diffuser (on a                                             scale of zero to 1.000) as adjusted                                           to give best agreement with opti-                                             cal measurements by means of                                                  the standard automatic color-bright-                                          ness tester. (The values given                                                in Table 2 are used for laboratory                                            operation.)                                                         RPD       Reflectance of paper specimen                                                 when backed with the diffuser, as                                             calculated from current values of                                             RK, RD, RSD, and RSP.                                               TPD       Transmittance of paper speciment                                              and diffuser in series, as calcu-                                             lated from current values of TK,                                              TSD, and TSP.                                                       ______________________________________                                    

In the foregoing listing of symbols, the letters of the symbol OMOD aretaken from the phrase on-machine optical device; however, thisparticular section of the specification refers to a system essentiallyconforming to the system of FIGS. 3-6 operated to measure opticalproperties of individual paper sheets under laboratory conditions. (Thelaboratory work here reported was with an earlier version of themonitoring device designed for on-machine operation, prior to adoptionof a thickened shoe plate 122. The standard spacing between the upperand lower sensing heads for the earlier version was 1/4 inch, ratherthan 3/16 inch as with the final version of on-machine device asspecifically shown in FIG. 3.) The OMOD scale readings are obtained fromthe meter 330, FIGS. 5 and 6, with the filter wheel 210, FIGS. 3 and 4,in the respective positions to activate the respective filters 281-286(indicated as "Filters 1 through 6" in the preceding listing) and toactivate filters 287 and 288 (indicated as "No. 7 filter" in thelisting), and with switch 331, FIG. 5, in its upper position to measurereflectance, and in its lower position to measure transmittance. As toreflectance measurements, the cavity 145 is considered to formessentially a black body backing for the diffusing glass 135.

The symbol "ACBT" in the foregoing listing of symbols is used todesignate a measurement made on the standard commercially availableautomatic color-brightness tester. The brightness measurement obtainedfrom the ACBT represents a value accepted as standard in the U.S. Paperindustry. A further appreciation of the importance of the fact that theOMOD measurements can closely conform to this industry standard isgained from a consideration of the article by L. R. Dearth et al "AStudy of Photoelectric Instruments for the Measurement of ColorReflectance, and Transmittance, XVI. Automatic Color-Brightness Tester",Tappi, The Journal of the Technical Association of the Pulp and PaperIndustry, Vol. 50, No. 2, February 1967, pages 51A through 58A. Asexplained in this article, the ACBT is photometrically accurate, and thespectral response is correct for the measurement of both color andstandard brightness. The spectral response of the ACBT very nearlymatches the theoretical CIE functions as indicated by the specialtechnique for determining spectral response. This involves thedetermination of the tristimulus values for deeply saturated coloredglass filters a very rigorous check on the spectral response, especiallywhen it is noted that colored papers are less saturated.

The symbols in the foregoing Listing of Symbols which as shown includelower case characters may also be written exclusively with capitalletters. This form of the symbols is convenient for computer printout.The alternate forms of these symbols are as follows: AR_(oo) FC orAROOFC; R_(o) or RO; R_(oo) or ROO and R_(oo) FC or ROOFC.

                  TABLE 4                                                         ______________________________________                                        Symbolic Statement of the Computer Program                                    (Used for Processing the Data Obtained During the                             Laboratory Operation of the System of FIGS. 3-6)                              ______________________________________                                        6PS FORTRAN  D     COMPILER                                                                C       OMOD (220)                                               S.0001          WRITE (6,2001)                                                S.0002  2001    FORMAT (1H, `SAMPLE` , 6X, `                                                  RD`, 12X, `T`, 12X, `ROO`, 9X,                                                `ROOFC`, 9X, 1`AROOFC`, 10X,                                                  `DIFF`, 7X, `FC`, 7X, `AFC`, 7X,                                              `GC`, /)                                                      S.0003          READ (5,1000) RK, TK, RD1,                                                    RD2, RD3, RD4, RD5, RD6                                       S.0004  102     M=O                                                           S.0005          READ (5,1000) RSD4, RSP4                                      S.0006  1000    FORMAT (10F8.0)                                               S.0007  100     READ (5,1001) IA, IN, ID, RSD,                                                RSP, TSD, TSP, RSD7, RSP7,                                                    AROOFC, AFC, R                                                S.0008  1001    FORMAT (I2, I2, A4, 9F8, 0)                                   S.0009          GO TO (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16), IN                            S.0010  11      RD=RD1                                                        S.0011          GO TO 17                                                      S.0012  12      RD=RD2                                                        S.0013          GO TO 17                                                      S.0014  13      RD=RD3                                                        S.0015          GO TO 17                                                      S.0016  14      RD=RD4                                                        S.0017          GO TO 17                                                      S.0018  15      RD=RD5                                                        S.0019          GO TO 17                                                      S.0020  16      RD=RD6                                                        S.0021  17      RPD=((RD*RSP*RK)/RSD)                                         S.0022          RPD4=RD4*RSP4*RK/RSD4                                         S.0023          TPDOTD=(TSP*TK)/TSD                                           S.0024          RO=(RPD-(RD*(TPDOTD**2)))/(1.-                                                (RD* TPDOTD)**2)                                              S.0025          T=(TPDOTD*(1.-(RD*RPD)))/(1.-                                                 (RD*TPDOTD)**2)                                               S.0026          A=((1.+(RO**2))-(T**2))/RO                                    S.0027          ROO=(A/2.)-SQR[(((A/2.)**2)-1.)]                              S.0028          RPD7=RD4 *RSP7*RK/RSD7                                        S.0029          IF (IN-2)1, 2, 3                                              S.0030  3       GO TO (7, 7, 7, 4, 7, 7), IN                                  S.0031  1       FC=(RPD7-RPD4)*.450                                           S.0032          GO TO 6                                                       S.0033  2       FC=(RPD7-RPD4)*.570                                           S.0034          GO TO 6                                                       S.0035  4       FC=(RPD7-RPD4)*.510                                           S.0036  6       ROOFC=ROO+FC                                                  S.0037          GO TO 30                                                      S.0038  7       ROOFC=ROO                                                     S.0039          FC=0.0                                                        S.0040  30      IF (IA-2)18, 19, 19                                           S.0041  18      ROOFC=ROOFC+R                                                 S.0042          GO TO 20                                                      S.0043  19      ROOFC=ROOFC-1                                                 S.0044  20      DIFF=ROOFC-AROOFC                                             S.0045          GO TO (21,22), IA                                             S.0046  21      WRITE (6,2000)ID,RO,T,ROO,                                                    ROOFC, AROOFC, DIFF, FC, AFC, R                               S.0047  2000    FORMAT (IH A4, 7X, 2(F8.6, 4X), 4                                             (F10.6, 4X), 2(F5.4, 4X), `+`, F4.3)                          S.0048          TO TO 23                                                      S.0049  22      WRITE (6,2002)ID, RO, T, ROO,                                                 ROOFC, AROOFC, DIFF, FC, AFC, R                               S.0050  2002    FORMAT (IH, A47X, 2(F8.6, 4X), 4                                              (F10.6, 4X), 2(F5.4, 4X), `-`, F4.3                           S.0051  23      M=M+1                                                         S.0052          IF(M-6) 100,102,102                                           S.0053  END                                                                                   SIZE OF COMMON OOOOO                                                          PROGRAM 01930                                                 END OF COMPILATION MAIN                                                       ______________________________________                                    

In the foregoing Table 4, the symbols representing basic mathematicaloperations were as follows:

    ______________________________________                                        Operation        Symbol      Example                                          ______________________________________                                        Addition         +           A+B                                              Subtraction      -           A-B                                              Multiplication   *           A*B                                              Division         /           A/B                                              Exponentiation   **          A**B(A.sup.B)                                    Equality         =           A=B                                              ______________________________________                                    

To indicate more concretely the calculations which are performed, thefollowing Table 5 will illustrate exemplary input and output data for agiven sample. The meaning of the various symbols will be apparent fromthe listing of the symbols of Table 3:

                                      TABLE 5                                     __________________________________________________________________________    Table Showing Exemplary                                                       Input and Output Data for a                                                   Given Sample                                                                  Sample No. 1, white Nekoosa Offset-60 pound paper,                            specimen A RK=1.000, TK=1.000                                                 Filter Wheel                                                                  Position No.                                                                  Input Data                                                                           1      2      3      4      5      6                                   __________________________________________________________________________    RD     0.349  0.347  0.355  0.349  0.354  0.354                               RSD    0.515  0.529  0.583  0.636  0.525  0.596                               RSP    1.161  1.187  1.339  1.422  1.191  1.357                               TSD    1.422  1.625  1.627  1.702  1.625  1.546                               TSP    0.236  0.256  0.354  0.277  0.335  0.326                               RSD7   0.568  0.568  0.568  0.568  0.568  0.568                               RSP7   1.381  1.381  1.381  1.381  1.381  1.381                               AROOFC 0.837  0.829  0.847  0.830  0.839  0.844                               AFC    0.034  0.034  0.0    0.036  0.0    0.0                                 RSD4   0.636  0.636  0.636  0.636  0.636  0.636                               RSP4   1.422  1.422  1.422  1.422  1.422  1.422                               GC     -0.006 -0.014 -0.021 -0.007 -0.009 -0.012                              RO     0.779777                                                                             0.772313                                                                             0.803330                                                                             0.773563                                                                             0.792249                                                                             0.794690                            T      0.120798                                                                             0.115319                                                                             0.155529                                                                             0.118812                                                                             0.148337                                                                             0.151546                            ROO    0.812093                                                                             0.800173                                                                             0.874419                                                                             0.803542                                                                             0.849399                                                                             0.856230                            ROOFC  0.836794                                                                             0.824838                                                                             0.853419                                                                             0.831337                                                                             0.840399                                                                             0.844230                            AROOFC 0.837000                                                                             0.829000                                                                             0.847000                                                                             0.830000                                                                             0.839000                                                                             0.844000                            DIFF   -0.000206                                                                            -0.004162                                                                            0.006419                                                                             0.001337                                                                             0.001399                                                                             0.000230                            FC     .0307  .0387  .0     .0348  .0     .0                                  AFC    .0340 .0340                                                                          .0     .0360  .0     .0                                         GC     -.006  -.014  -.021  -0.007 -.009  -0.12                               __________________________________________________________________________

In the foregoing table showing exemplary input and output data, theinput and output data symbols have been shown as they are actuallyprinted out by the computer with all letters capitalized. In the text,certain of the input and output data symbols are shown in a moreconventional manner with subscripts since the symbols are more familiarin such form.

The data such as exemplified in Table 5 are based on a singledetermination for each specimen. The "grade correction" GC is based onthe average difference between R_(oo) FC and AR_(oo) FC for twospecimens, specimens A and B.

The data as exemplified in Table 5 show that there is generally goodagreement between the calculated R_(oo) FC and AR_(oo) FC values. Thespread in values for the duplicate specimens (A and B) is good with theexception of several samples. Some difficulty was experienced inpositioning the specimen on the monitoring device 10 to givereproducible results. The difficulty should be minimized when the unitis placed "on-machine". The grade correction GC takes this discrepancyinto consideration so the correction should be established "on-machine".

The RD values shown in Table 5 were punched into the first data cardalong with the values for RK and TK for input to the computer in advanceof a desired computation. The factors RK and TK were included as factorsin the computations so that the transmittance and reflectance valuescould be adjusted independently, if desired. In this evaluation, RK andTK were left at 1.000. (Calculated values for RD were used in a firstcomputer run and then the values were adjusted slightly to give the bestagreement with the standard automatic color-brightness tester. Thevalues for RD shown in Table 5 are the slightly adjusted values utilizedin obtaining the data discussed in this section of the specification.)

A second set of data for the same fourteen samples was collected usingthe monitoring device in the same condition as for the collection of thedata previously given. All of the variables were left the same to seehow closely the data could be reproduced for the identical specimens.The agreement was quite good except for samples 8 and 14. It appearsthat the paper may not have been lying flat in one or the other tests.The grade correction GC on some of the grades was changed and the secondset of data was again calculated for samples 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 14.This improved the agreement between the monitoring device and thestandard automatic color-brightness tester.

The reflectance head of the monitoring device was then lowered 0.025inch and another set of data was collected for the same seven samples.The same ACBT data was used. The data show that lowering the reflectancehead reduces the reflectance while transmittance remains essentiallyunchanged. The effects are not as large as was expected and could becorrected through adjustment of RK; however, the variables RK, TK and GCwere again held constant.

The reflectance head was then raised to a spacing of 0.050 inch (0.025inch above the normal position for these tests), and another set of datawas collected for the same seven samples. The effects were larger thanwhen the reflectance head 11 was lowered. Again, an adjustment of RKwould improve the agreement.

It was concluded from these test results that a change of plus or minus0.025 inch from "normal position" is larger than can be tolerated. Anestimate of a reasonable tolerance, based on this and earlier work,would be plus or minus 0.010 inch from "normal position".

All of the variables used in calculating the data for samples 1, 2, 4,5, 6, 8 and 14, after the initial change in the grade correction GC,were held the same to determine the effects of changing the reflectancehead position. The same input data for the case of the reflectance headbeing raised 0.025 inch were processed again but with RK equal to 0.975instead of 1.000. This reduces the reflectance value to the properlevel. The data obtained in this way show good agreement between themonitoring device and the standard automatic color-brightness tester.Apparently the factor RK can be used quite effectively in adjusting forsome variation in the geometric relationship of the upper and lowersensing heads. It would be preferred, of course, to maintain properalignment and spacing.

A second set of samples were evaluated after returning the reflectancehead to its normal spacing from the transmittance head. Beforecalculating new output data, the computer program of Table 4 wascorrected in statements S.0022 and S.0028 by changing RD to RD4. Thecorrected computer program has been shown herein since the error in thepreviously referred to data was insignificant in most cases. Thus withthe corrected computer program, the input data for the second set ofsamples were processed. The values RK and TK were set to 1.000 and thesame grade corrections were used as for samples 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 14previously referred to.

Conclusions drawn from all of the data are that the grade correction GCwill handle errors resulting from less than ideal characteristics of themonitoring device 10 such as the relatively wide bandwidth of lighttransmitted in the various filter positions in comparison to therequirements of Kubelka-Munk theory and the fact that this theoryapplies strictly only to diffuse light rather than collimated light asactually employed in the illustrated monitoring device 10. Thiscorrection must be established "on-machine". Use of the diffusing glass135 to calibrate the monitoring device 10 will handle changes in lightlevel, photocell sensitivity and amplifier gain. The reflectances RD ofthe diffusing glass 135 for the various filters as established in thepresent work are set forth in the previous Table 2 entitled "TableShowing Reflectance of the Diffusing Glass With No Paper SpecimenPresent in a Laboratory Test of the System of FIGS. 1-6".

As previously mentioned, the transmittance of the diffusing glass 135need not be known as the ratio of the transmittance of the diffusingglass and paper (in series), identified by the symbol TSP, to thetransmittance of the diffusing glass 135, identified by the symbol TSD,is employed as will be apparent from the explanation of the calculationsemployed set forth hereinafter.

The fluorescent component is handled through the difference inreflectance as measured with the number 4 and the number 7 filters (RPD7minus RPD4). The factors used in the subject computations, for filtersnumber 1, 2 and 4, are 0.500, 0.600 and 0.550 respectively. This meansof determining the fluorescent contribution FC appears to be successful.

The factor RK whereby the reflectance can be adjusted to account formisalignment or incorrect spacing seems to function better than wasexpected.

The following examples will serve to explain the calculations of theoutput data for the different filter positions in greater detail.

                  TABLE 6                                                         ______________________________________                                         Table Showing                                                                Exemplary Calculation of Paper                                                Optical Parameter                                                             ______________________________________                                        Calculation of R.sub.o, T, R.sub.oo, FC and R.sub.oo FC from OMOD             data with the No. 1 filter in position.                                       Input: RSD1, RSP1, TSD1, TSP1, RSD7, RSP7, TK,                                RK, RSD4, RSP4, RD1, RD4, and GC1                                             Calculation:                                                                  RPD1 = (RD1 × RSP1 × RK)/RSD1                                     RPD4 = (RD4 × RSP4 × RK)/RSD4                                     RPD7 = (RD4 × RSP7 × RK)/RSD7                                     TPD/TD = (TSP1 × TK))/TSD1                                              R.sub.o = [RPD1 - (RD1(TPD/TD).sup.2)]/[RD1(TPD/TD).sup.2)]                   T = [(TPD/TD)(1 - (RD1 × RPD1))]/[1 - (RD1(TPD).sup.2)]                 A = (1 + R.sub.o.sup.2 - T.sup.2)/R.sub.o                                      ##STR1##                                                                     FC = 0.500 (RPD7 - RPD4)                                                      R.sub.oo FC = R.sub.oo + FC + GC1                                             Calculation of R.sub.o, T, R.sub.oo, FC and R.sub.oo FC from OMOD             data with the No. 2 filter in position                                        Input: RSD2, RSP2, TSD2, TSP2, RSD7, RSP7, TK,                                RK, RSD4, RSP4, RD2 and GC2.                                                  Calculation:                                                                  RPD2 = (RD2 × RSP2 × RK)/RSD2                                     RPD4 = (RD4 × RSP4 × RK)/RSD4                                     RPD7 = (RD4 × RSP7 × RK)/RSD7                                     TPD/TD = (TSP2 × TK)/TSD2                                               R.sub.o = [RPD2 - (RD2(TPD/TD).sup.2)]/[1 - (RD2(TPD/TD).sup.2)]              T = [(TPD/TD)(1 - (RD2 × RPD2))]/[1 - (RD2(TPD/TD).sup.2)]              A = (1 + R.sub.o.sup.2 - T.sup.2)/R.sub.o                                      ##STR2##                                                                     FC = 0.600(RPD7 - RPD4)                                                       R.sub.oo FC = R.sub.oo + FC + GC.sub.2                                        Calculation of R.sub.o, T, R.sub.oo, FC and R.sub.oo FC from OMOD             data with the No. 3 filter in position                                        Input: RSD3, RSP3, TSD3, TSP3, TK, RK, RD3 and                                GC3                                                                           Calculation:                                                                  RPD3 = (RD3 ×  RSP3 × RK)/RSD3                                    TPD/TD = (TSP3 × TK)/TSD3                                               R.sub.o = [RPD3 - (RD3(TPD/TD).sup.2)]/[1 - (RD3(TPD/TD).sup.2)]              T = [(TPD/TD)(1 - (RD3 × RPD3))]/[1 - (RD3(TPD/TD).sup.2)]              A = (1 + R.sub.o.sup.2 - T.sup.2)/R.sub.o                                      ##STR3##                                                                     FC = 0.0                                                                      R.sub.oo FC = R.sub.oo + FC + GC3                                              Note:-                                                                        The calculations for Filters No. 5 and 6 are carried out in the same          manner as for filter No.3 except that the appropriate filter data are         employed. FC is made equal to zero for filters No. 3, 5 and 6 for all         samples.                                                                 

    Calculation of R.sub.o, T, R.sub.oo, FC and R.sub.oo FC from OMOD             data with the No. 4 filter in position.                                       Input: RSD4, RSP4, TSD4, TSP4, RSD7, TK, RK, -RD4 and GC4.                    Calculation:                                                                  RPD4 = (RD4 × RSP4 × RK)/RSD4                                     RPD7 = (RD4 ×  RSP7 × RK)/RSD7                                    RPD/TD = (TSP4 × TK)/TSD4                                               R.sub.o = [RPD4 - (RD4(TPD/TD).sup.2)]/[1 - (RD4(TPD/TD).sup.2)]              T = [(TPD/TD)(1 - (RD4 × RPD4))]/[1 - (RD4(TPD/TD).sup.2)]              A = (1 + R.sub.o.sup.2 - T.sup.2)/R.sub.o                                      ##STR4##                                                                     FC = 0.550(RPD7 - RPD4)                                                       R.sub.oo FC = R.sub.oo + FC + GC4                                             ______________________________________                                    

On the basis of further experimental data, the factors relating thefluorescent component, as measured on the monitoring device, to thefluorescent component as measured with the standard automaticcolor-brightness tester, have the following presently preferred valuesfor filter wheel position numbers 1, 2 and 4: 0.528, 0.636, and 0.456,respectively.

DISCUSSION OF THE ON-MACHINE SYSTEM OF FIGS. 1-6 Set Up Procedure Forthe System of FIGS. 1-6

In the prototype system, potentiometers were included as part of thegain control resistance means and were adjusted for the respectivepositions of the filter wheel 210 to give values correlated directlywith absolute reflectance and transmittance of the diffusing glass, suchas given in the foregoing Table 1. In the preferred system of FIGS. 1-6,however, these potentiometers for adjusting amplifier gain are omittedand are replaced with fixed resistors 371-377 and 431-437 selected togive scale readings from meter 330 in the respective filter wheelpositions which are well above the values given in Table 1. The highergain values selected for the amplifiers 361 and 429 in the preferredsystem are intended to provide improved stability and increasedsensitivity of measurement.

The upper and lower sensing heads are placed at a spacing of 3/16 inchby means of a gauging plate made of 3/16 inch Teflon. The incident beam133 forms a light spot of elliptical configuration on the planar upperand surface 98 of the diffusing window 135. The major axis of theelliptical light spot has a length of about 5/8 inch and is parallel tothe direction of web movement, i.e. the machine direction, while theminor axis has a length of about 3/8 inch and is at right angles to themachine direction. The reflected beam 137 consists of the total lightreflected from a circular spot of approximately 3/8 inch diameter. Thisviewed area lies substantially within the elliptical illuminated area onsurface 98; however, the two essentially coincide in the direction ofthe minor axis of the illuminated spot.

Since the effective optical aperture 154, FIG. 3, of the lower sensinghead is of a diameter of about 15/16 inch, the system will beinsensitive to a certain amount of lateral offset between the opticalaxis 15 of the upper sensing head and the optical axis 515 of the lowersensing head.

In setting up the system, the position of the lower sensing head may beadjusted laterally so that the spot formed by the incident beam 133 isessentially centered on the surface 98 of window 135.

The optimum relationship between the upper and lower sensing heads canbe precisely detected by observing the reflectance output from the uppersensing head (in any position of the filter wheel 210) as the heads aremoved relative to one another while maintaining the spacing of 3/16 inchbetween the heads. When the correct geometrical relationship is attainedbetween the incident beam 133, the reflected beam path 137 and the planeof the surface 98 of the window 135, the reflectance signal will have amaximum value.

With the upper and lower sensing heads in the optimum geometricrelationship, and with the incident beam impinging on the central partof surface 98, it is considered that relative shifting between the upperand lower heads in the plane of surface 98 over a range of plus or minus1/8 inch in any lateral direction should have an insignificant effectbecause of the flat planar configuration of surface 98.

Direct Digital Control Analog Point Scan Subroutine of FIG. 7

The program subroutine of FIG. 7 accepts digital information from theanalog to digital converters of component 501, FIG. 6, at one secondintervals. Referring to FIG. 7 where the blocks containing the flowchart steps are individually numbered in their operational sequence, thestep 701 represents the entry into the subroutine at one secondintervals. Step 702 shows the acceptance of an analog input andconversion to engineering units. Step 703 indicates saving suchconverted input as a process variable in a scan only file of the digitalcontrol computer. A type of control computer which has utilized such ascan program for a number of years for collecting data in an overallpaper machine direct digital control system is the General ElectricCompany PAC 4020 Process Control Computer. Minor additions to theexisting program routine will allow for the collection of thereflectance and transmittance data by means of the existing computersystem. A suitable computer interface between monitoring device 10 andsuch a control computer has been described previously. Block 702suggests that valid reflectance and transmittance values might belimited to a range from 0 to 1.0 units, for example. In this event theprogram could include provision for checking that the collectedreflectance and transmittance values were within the range and forprinting out a message or the like if invalid data is received.

Block 704 indicates the sequential reading of process data input pointsin a predetermined order until the last data input point has beenscanned, whereupon the computer exits from the subroutine.

Process File (FILE X) for the Data Acquisition and Data ReductionPrograms

The arrangement of FILE X which is utilized during acquisition of datafrom the system of FIGS. 1-6 and conversion thereof to desired outputpaper optical quantities can be visualized from the following Table 7.In the first column of Table 7, sequential memory locations of theprocess file have been assigned sequential numbers beginning with zero.A convenient label has been assigned to certain groups of sequentialmemory locations, and this is also given in the first column. (The termFILE X is used to designate all of the locations zero through onehundred forty while subsequent labels refer to only the subadjacentgroup of sixteen locations or less.)

In general the significance of the various stored data will be apparentfrom the descriptions given in the righthand column of Table 7 and fromthe use of the stored data as indicated by the flow charts of FIGS.8-20.

                  TABLE 7                                                         ______________________________________                                        FILE X (Process File For the Data Acquisition                                 and Data Reduction Programs                                                   Label and Rela-                                                               tive Location                                                                 of File   Description of Stored Data                                          ______________________________________                                        FILE X                                                                        0         STATUS                                                              1         PCW ADR LOOP P (REFLECTION CELL)                                    2         PCW ADR LOOP Q (TRANSMISSION                                                  CELL)                                                               3         PFA GAGE HEAD POSITION (TAG 129)                                    4         SLOW DOWN COUNT                                                     5         SLOW DOWN INITIAL VALUE COUNT                                       6         FILTER WHEEL POSITION INDEX EST.                                              (I)                                                                 7         PFA BASIS WEIGHT AVG. (TAG. BOO)                                    8         MINIMUM ON SHEET HEAD POS.                                          9         INITIALIZATION INDEX (K)                                            10        FILTER WHEEL CYCLE COMPLETION                                                 INDEX (CYCLE)                                                       11        SMOOTHING CONSTANT (ALPHA)                                          CTABL                                                                         12 (0,0)  STANDARDIZATION CORR. FACTOR,                                                 CTABLE=(C)                                                          13 (1,0)                                                                      14 (2,0)                                                                      15 (3,0)                                                                      16 (4,0)                                                                      17 (5,0)                                                                      18 (6,0)                                                                      19 (7,0)  SPARE                                                               20 (0,1)                                                                      21 (1,1)                                                                      22 (2,1)                                                                      23 (3,1)                                                                      24 (4,1)                                                                      25 (5,1)                                                                      26 (6,1)                                                                      27 (7,1)  SPARE                                                               STTABL                                                                        28 (0,0)  STANDARDIZATION INPUT DATUM,                                                  ST=(R*)                                                             29 (1,0)                                                                      30 (2,0)                                                                      31 (3,0)                                                                      32 (4,0)                                                                      33 (5,0)                                                                      34 (6,0)                                                                      35 (7,0)  SPARE                                                               36 (0,1)  , " = (T*)                                                          37 (1,1)                                                                      38 (2,1)                                                                      39 (3,1)                                                                      40 (4,1)                                                                      41 (5,1)                                                                      42 (6,1)                                                                      43 (7,1)  SPARE                                                               RGTABL                                                                        44 (0,0)  NOMINAL BACKING REFLECT., RG                                                  = (Rg)                                                              45 (1,0)                                                                      46 (2,0)                                                                      47 (3,0)                                                                      48 (4,0)                                                                      49 (5,0)                                                                      50 (6,0)                                                                      51 (7,0)  SPARE                                                               52 (0,1)  NOMINAL DIFFUSER TRANS. " =(Td)                                     53 (1,1)                                                                      54 (2,1)                                                                      55 (3,1)                                                                      56 (4,1)                                                                      57 (5,1)                                                                      58 (6,1)                                                                      59 (7,1)  SPARE                                                               VTABL                                                                         60 (0,0)  CORRECTED & SMOOTHED INPUT                                                    NFCELL=R                                                            61 (1,0)                                                                      62 (2,0)                                                                      63 (3,0)                                                                      64 (4,0)                                                                      65 (5,0)                                                                      66 (6,0)                                                                      67 (7,0)  SPARE                                                               68 (0,1)  " = TDP                                                             69 (1,1)                                                                      70 (2,1)                                                                      71 (3,1)                                                                      72 (4,1)                                                                      72 (5,1)                                                                      74 (6,1)                                                                      75 (7,1)  SPARE                                                               SGTABL                                                                        76 (0,0)  REFLECTANCE SPECIFIC GRADE                                                    CORR., SGCF                                                         77 (1,0)                                                                      78 (2,0)                                                                      79 (3,0)                                                                      80 (4,0)                                                                      81 (5,0)                                                                      82 (6,0)                                                                      83 (7,0)  SPARE                                                               84 (0,1)  TRANSMITTANCE SPECIFIC GRADE                                                  CORR.                                                               85 (1,1)                                                                      86 (2,1)                                                                      87 (3,1)                                                                      88 (4,1)                                                                      89 (5,1)                                                                      90 (6,1)                                                                      91 (7,1)  SPARE                                                               OUTABL                                                                        92 (0)    PRINTING OPACITY  (POPAC)                                                   Y REFL=ILLUM.A-.89 BACKING                                                                        (YAR89)                                           94 (2)    TAPPI OPACITY     (TOPAC)                                           95 (3)    X-TRI . STIMULUS  (XTRI)                                            96 (4)    Y-TRISTIMULUS     (YTRI)                                            97 (5)    Z . TRISTIMULUS   (ZTRI)                                            98 (6)    HUNTER L          (LH)                                              99 (7)    HUNTER A          (AH)                                              100 (8)   HUNTER B          (BH)                                              101 (9)   BRIGHTNESS WITH FLUOR. & INF                                                  BACKING           (BRRINF)                                          STABL                                                                         102 (0)   SCATTER COEFFICIENT                                                                              (S)                                              103 (1)                                                                       104 (2)                                                                       105 (3)                                                                       106 (4)                                                                       107 (5)                                                                       108 (6)                                                                       109 (7)   SPARE                                                               KTABL                                                                         110 (0)   ABSORPTION COEFFICIENT                                                                           (K)                                              111 (2)                                                                       113 (3)                                                                       114 (4)                                                                       115 (5)                                                                       116 (6)                                                                       117 (7)   SPARE                                                               RSTABL                                                                        118 (0,0) STANDARDIZATION BACKING REFL                                                  REFERENCE (Rs)                                                      119 (1,0)                                                                     120 (2,0)                                                                     121 (3,0)                                                                     122 (4,0)                                                                     123 (5,0)                                                                     124 (6,0)                                                                     125 (7,0) SPARE                                                               126 (0,1) STANDARIZATION DIFFUS. TRANS.                                                 REFERENCE (Ts)                                                      127 (1,1)                                                                     128 (2,1)                                                                     129 (3,1)                                                                     130 (4,1)                                                                     131 (5,1)                                                                     132 (6,1)                                                                     133 (7,1) SPARE                                                               MPAR                                                                          134 (0)   FLUOR SLOPE EMPIRICAL CONSTANT                                      135 (1)   X.sub.b -FLUOR/Z-FLUOR. RATIO                                                             FCON                                                    136 (2)   Br-FLUOR/Z-FLUOR RATIO                                                                    FCON                                                    137 (3)   RESET VALUE OF FILTER CYCLE                                                 INDEX           ICYCLE                                                138 (4)   BASIS WT AVG. (FLOATING POINT)                                                            BW                                                      139 (5)   EMPIRICAL OVERALL REFL. CORR.                                               FACTOR          CORR                                                  140 (6)   EMPIRICAL OVERALL TRANS. CORR.                                              FACTOR          CORR                                                  ______________________________________                                    

In referring to locations of FILE X in the program flow charts of FIGS.8-20, the relative location of FILE X is indicated by the number inparenthesis. Thus FILE X(4) refers to relative location number four ofFILE X as given in Table 7. File X(138) corresponds to MPAR(4) in Table7, and both refer to relative location number one hundred and thirtyeight. FILE X(four) is an alternative to FILE X(4), and is used in thetext to avoid any possible confusion with drawing reference numerals.

The following general discussion of successive locations or groups oflocations of FILE X, taken in numerical order, will serve as anintroduction of the description of the program routines of FIGS. 8-20.Contemplated modifications of the programs and of FILE X will bediscussed in a later section.

In location O of FILE X, the Status word includes a bit number 23 whichis set to a logical one when conditions are met for making standardizingcalculations. For example, the OMOD should be off sheet and the betagauge with which the OMOD is mounted for scanning movement should be inits standardizing mode. The set condition of bit 23 is responded to bythe program to bypass data smoothing and to store data in a specialtable STTABLE at locations 28-34 and 36-42 of Table 7. The condition ofbit 23 is reset to logical zero when the filter wheel has indexedthrough seven positions or if the beta gauge completes standardizationbefore the complete set of OMOD standardization data is collected.

Locations 1 and 2 of FILE X may store the PCW (process control word)addresses for Loops P and Q. Loop P is a subroutine for controlling theprocessing of reflectance data and Loop Q is concerned with theprocessing of transmittance data. These loops begin at FIG. 13 ofProgram Fourteen.

Location three of FILE X, contains the address of the DDC scanner filecontaining the position of the sensing head 10 along its path oftraverse of the web. This position is monitored by the Scan-Only (DDC)routine of FIG. 7 and is stored in the scan system file identified byTAG one hundred twenty nine. A current value of sensing head position istransferred from the referenced DDC file into location three of FILE Xperiodically.

Location four of FILE X stores a SLOWDOWN COUNT index value which isused to cause a specified number of dummy readings at each filter wheelposition to be made after each advance of the filter wheel to allow timefor the OMOD electronics to reach steady state, and to allow for anytransient error in synchronization between the DDC Scan-Only routine ofFIG. 7 and the Data Reduction routine (Program Fourteen) of FIGS. 8-16which runs at one second intervals under the control of the RTMOSScheduler (a computer real time operating system of the General ElectricCo.).

Location five of FILE X stores a SLOWDOWN INITIAL VALUE COUNT which isused when a processing cycle is being initiated.

Location six of FILE X of Table 7 stores an index value I whichrepresents the estimated filter wheel position, based on the number ofactuations of the filter wheel indexing solenoid, since the initialfilter wheel position wherein reed switch 358, FIG. 6, is closed inresponse to the proximity of permanent magnet 243, FIGS. 3 and 6. In thecomputer program, the successive filter wheel positions are designated0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, and result in spectral response distributionsdesignated B_(R) (brightness), X_(B) (blue portion of the E_(c) xfunction), X_(R) (red portion of the E_(c) x function), Z (E_(c) zfunction without fluorescence), Y_(C) (E_(c) y function), Y_(a) (E_(a) yfunction), and Z_(FL) (E_(c) z function, with fluorescence).

Location seven of FILE X serves to store the address of the DDC file forbasis weight average. TAG BOO, which is used by Program Fourteen toaccess the basis weight data and store it in location MPAR (4) infloating point format. This will be used by Program Forty-Two during thereduction of data.

Location eight of FILE X stores a value for the minimum on-sheet headposition. When the head position is less than such minimum value, astandardization cycle may be set in motion by Program Fourteen.

Location nine of FILE X contains the value of an initialization index Kwhich is used to determine when all seven smoothed input values havebeen initialized to equal the latest unsmoothed input for each of thereflectance and transmittance channels.

Location ten of FILE X stores a filter wheel cycle completion indexdesignated CYCLE that can be used to determine when a specified numberof filter wheel cycles have been completed through the last filter wheelposition (position six in the programming notation). This prevents thedata reduction program (Program Forty-Two) of FIGS. 17-20 from runninguntil a specified number of data sets have been collected since the lasttime it ran or the unit was standardized.

Location eleven of FILE X stores a smoothing constant ALPHA which isused in smoothing the input data from FIGS. 1-6 by Program Fourteen, asindicated in FIG. 14.

A temporary location index J is used to point to either the reflectancevector tables or the transmittance vector tables. J is equal to zero toindicate reflectance, and is equal to one to designate transmittance.Each of the tables such as CTABL of table 7 has a first set of locations(e.g. 12 through 18) which can become active while J is equal to zeroand a second set of locations (e.g. 20 through 26) which can be selectedwhen J is equal to one. Thus the sets of two numerals in parenthesis atlocations 12 through 133 represent respectively the value of the filterwheel position index I and the J index value corresponding to thelocation.

The table CTABL at locations 12-18 and 20-26 of the process file ofTable 7 is used to store a standardization correction factor C. Thereflection values of the factor C for the respective filter wheelpositions are stored in locations 12-18 and are active when J=0, andI=0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, respectively. Similarly the transmissionvalues for the lower sensing head and the respective filter wheelpositions are stored in locations 20-26, which are selected when J=1 andI=0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, respectively.

The table ST TABL, stores data from the OMOD system of FIGS. 1-6 in thestandardization mode with the heads in the off-sheet position.

The table RG TABL stores the value RG, the nominal reflectance of thebacking for the web in the off-sheet position, for the respective filterwheel positions, and also the value TD, the nominal transmittance of thediffusing window 135 in the off-sheet position. These values may beexperimentally determined as previously explained and inserted intotable RG TABL at start up of the system.

Table VTABL serves to store input data after it has been processed byProgram Fourteen of FIGS. 8-16. The raw data is corrected on the basisof the most recent standardization values from table ST TABL and,multiplied by the correction factors C from table CTABL, andexponentially smoothed by means of the subroutine of FIG. 14 beforebeing stored in the VTABL locations.

The SG TABL table of the process file of Table 7 stores the specificgrade correction factors SGCF.

The OUTABL locations store the output quantities as computed under thecontrol of the Data Reduction Program Forty Two of FIGS. 17-20.

The tables STABL and KTABL store the scatter coefficient S and theabsorption coefficient K which together serve to characterize the paperweb being monitored.

Optical Property Data Acquisition Subroutine of FIGS. 8-16 (ProgramFourteen)

The subroutine of FIGS. 8-16 is referred to as Program Fourteen (orProgram 14) and is designed to perform various data acquisitionfunctions as indicated in the flow chart.

It is believed that the flow chart of FIGS. 8-16 will beself-explanatory given the foregoing comments concerning Table 7. Thefollowing Tables 8-16 are a tabulation of the blocks of the subroutinewith supplementary comments to indicate the meaning of anyabbreviations, or to paraphrase any possibly cryptic statements. (Arabicnumerals within the blocks in FIGS. 8-20 do not refer to referencenumerals of FIGS. 1-6. This is indicated in the following tabulation byspelling of such numerals so far as feasible.)

                  TABLE 8                                                         ______________________________________                                        Supplementary Explaination of the Program Steps                               of FIG. 8                                                                     Program                                                                       Step       Comment                                                            ______________________________________                                        801        Program Fourteen initial point at                                             start up.                                                          802        The timer location designated AUXTUM                                          +3 receives an intial value. (Equal to                                        the present time).                                                 803        The point of entry each time the timer                                        location AUX-TIME reaches a value                                             L, i.e. every one second.                                          804        Load the starting address of File X                                           into index register three.                                         805        Load PCW (process control word) ad-                                           dresses of loops P and Q from laca-                                           tions one and two of FILE X. (See                                             Table 7.)                                                          806        Are scan bits in both of the process                                          control words referred to in block                                            805 set for off-scan?                                              807        If decision at block 806 is no, calculate                                     the next time for Program Four-                                               teen to run DLYTIM (delay time)                                               seconds from the present time. (The                                           value of DLYTIM is nominally one                                              second.) Add DLYTIM to the present                                            value of AUXTIM+3 to register a new                                           time AUXTIM+3.                                                     808        Load value of SLOWDOWN COUNT                                                  from location four of FILE X into                                             the temporary register SLODWN.                                     809        Decrement the count in SLODWN by                                              one.                                                               810        If answer to decision of block 806 is                                         yes, turn Program Fourteen off and                                            exit from the program.                                             ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 9                                                         ______________________________________                                        Supplementary Explanation of the Program Steps                                of FIG. 9                                                                     Program                                                                       Step       Comment                                                            ______________________________________                                        821        Compare the count value in SLODWN                                             with zero, if SLODWN is equal to or                                           less than xero, go to block 822, if                                           SLODWN is greater than zero, go to                                            block 823.                                                         822        Insert SLOW DOWN INITIAL VALUE                                                COUNT from File X(five) into the                                              SLODWN register.                                                   823        Store the decremented count value in                                          SLODWN in SLOW DOWN COUNT at FILE X(four), and go to point D                  of                                                                            the program, shown in FIG. 16.                                     824        Place the count transferred from FILE                                         X(five) at block 822 into FILE X(four)                                        labeled SLOW DOWN COUNT.                                           825        Read content of FILE X(six) into                                              temporary location I.                                              826        Add one to temporary location 1.                                   827        Compare I and six; if I equal to or                                           less than six, go to LDDIDG, block                                            841 of FIG. 10; if I is greater than                                          six, go to block 828.                                              828        Put a one in temporary flag location                                          LIRFLG.                                                            829,830    If disk memory is operating print                                             out that the indicated message.                                    831        Set the K value in location nine of                                           FILE X to seven.                                                   832        Set CYCLE value in location ten of                                            FILE X to one, and go to LDDIDG,                                              block 841, FIG. 10.                                                ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 10                                                        ______________________________________                                        Supplementary Explanation of the Program Steps                                of FIG. 10                                                                    Program                                                                       Step       Comment                                                            ______________________________________                                        841        Load the contents of the memory location                                      that indentifies the status of the                                            digital input group (Group 1400) to                                           which the zero position filter contacts                                       358, FIG. 6, are connected.                                        842        Is the filter wheel in position zero,                                         i.e. the position shown in FIG. 3?                                            This is determined from bit position                                          twenty-two of the STATUS word loaded                                          in step 841. If bit position twenty-two                                       indicates that the contacts of reed                                           switch 358, FIG. 6, are closed, then                                          go to block 843. If the contacts are                                          open, go to LOSTIX, block 844.                                     843        If value in temporary location I is                                           less than seven, go to block 845. If                                          I is equal to or greater than seven                                           go to REFILT, block 848.                                           844        Is a value one in the temporary flag                                          location LIRFLG? (See block 828,                                              FIG. 9.)                                                           845        Set FILE X (nine) to seven.                                        846        Set FILE X (ten) to one.                                           847        If the filter wheel is indexing properly,                                     the I value will be incremented                                               by the step of block 826, FIG. 9, so                                          that I will equal seven at block 843.                                         Since I was less than seven, apparently                                       the filter wheel has failed to index                                          each time it was commanded to do so.                                          Block 847 provides for the print out                                          by means of an alarm output program - under these conditions.      848        Set location six of FILE X to zero.                                849        Set LIRFLG to zero.                                                850        Insert current value of I in FILE X                                           (six).                                                             851        Load the head traverse position File                                          Address from FILE X(three).                                        852        Load the process variable (PV) of                                             block 851 into the temporary location                                         XPOS.                                                              ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 11                                                        ______________________________________                                        Supplementary Explanation of the Program Steps                                of FIG. 11                                                                    Program                                                                       Step       Comment                                                            ______________________________________                                        861        Load the content of FILE X(eight) into                                        the temporary location XMIN.                                       862        Is the beta gauge in a standardizing                                          mode as indicated by point four in the                                        digital input status word for group                                           fourteen hundred?. Point four refers                                          to the bit four position of the status                                        word. If the beta gauge is not in                                             standardizing mode, go to block 864.                               863        Is the OMOD shown to be in standardizing                                      mode by bit position twenty                                                   three of FILE X (zero). If the OMOD is                                        being standardized, go to block 865.                                          If standardization is not in - progress go to block 866.           864        Compare the value of XPOS(See block                                           852 FIG. 10) with the value of XMIN                                           See block 861). If XPOS is equal to                                           or greater than XMIN, go to block                                             867. If XPOS is less than XMIN, go                                            to block 868.                                                      865        Reset bit position twenty three of                                            FILE X(zero) to zero.                                              866        Compare XPOS and XMIN.                                             867        Load content of FILE X(ten) into the                                          temporary register CYCLE.                                          868        Is bit position twenty three of FILE                                          X(zero set? If yes, go to comparison                                          block 881, FIG. 12. If not,                                                   proceed with standardization beginning                                        at block 870.                                                      869        Set temporary register K to seven or                                          a multiple of seven.                                               870        Set bit position twenty three of FILE                                         X(zero) to the logical one state.                                  871        Put the value of K (see block 869)                                            into FILE X(nine).                                                 872        Set temporary register CYCLE to                                               logical one state.                                                 873        Place content of CYCLE in FILE X                                              (ten).                                                             874        Same as block 872.                                                 875        Same as block 873.                                                 ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 12                                                        ______________________________________                                        Supplementary Explanation of the Program Steps                                of FIG. 12                                                                    Program                                                                       Step       Comment                                                            ______________________________________                                        881        Compare value in temporary register                                           I with six.                                                        882        Continuation from block 875, FIG. 11.                                         Same comment as for block 869.                                     883        Same as block 871.                                                 884        Go to BENTER location, FIG. 16,                                               after an affirmative decision at block                                        844, FIG. 10; or after execution of                                           step 873, FIG. 11; or if I is greater                                         than six at block 881.                                             885        Compare CYCLE and zero.                                            886        Decrement CYCLE by one if CYCLE                                               was greater than one at block 885.                                 887        Same as 873.                                                       888        Load content of FILE X(eleven) into                                           temporary register ALPHA.                                          889        Load content of FILE X(seven) into                                            the index register (BOO File Address)                              890        Load BOO process variable into A-register                                     with fixed point scaling of B8                                     ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 13                                                        ______________________________________                                        Supplementary Explanation of the Program Steps                                of Fig. 13                                                                    Program                                                                       Step       Comment                                                            ______________________________________                                        891        Convert content at B8 SCALING (See                                            block 890, FIG. 12) to floating point                                         notation and store converted value in                                         FILE X(one hundred thirty eight),                                             which is also designated MPAR, loca-                                          tion four in Table 7.                                              892        Load the process control word PCWP                                            at the address given at FILE X(one)                                           into the register PCW.                                             893        Set register J to zero.                                            894        Is bit position twenty three of the                                           process control word (PCW) of LOOP (J)                                        set? If not, go to block 910, FIG. 14.                                        If yes, go to block 895.                                           895        Load the content of CTABL of FILE X                                           for the location corresponding to the                                         current values of I and J into tempor-                                        ary location CTABLE.                                               896        Load the process variable (PV) from                                           the Scan Only File PF(J) into the tem-                                        porary location NCELL.                                             897        Calculate the corrected input value by                                        multiplying the content of NCELL by                                           the content of CTABLE, and store in                                           the table VTABLE of FILE X(See                                                Table 14) in the location corresponding                                       to current values of I and J. Go to                                           block 901, FIG. 14.                                                898        After a negative decision at block 910,                                       FIG. 14, the loop P subroutine is                                             initiated by loading the process control                                      word PCWQ whose address is given at                                           FILE X(two) into the temporary regis-                                         ter PCW.                                                           899        Increment the value stored in location                                        J to one.                                                          ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 14                                                        ______________________________________                                        Supplementary Explanation of the Program Steps                                of FIG. 14                                                                    Program                                                                       Step       Comment                                                            ______________________________________                                        901        Compare the value in temporary loca-                                          tion K with zero. If K is equal to or                                         less than zero, go to block 902. If                                           K is greater than zero, go to CHKSTZ,                                         block 903.                                                         902        Load content of current location of                                           VTABL (I,J) from FILE X into the                                              temporary location PFCELL.                                         903        Is bit twenty three of the status word                                        in FILE X (zero) set                                               904        Transfer content of NCELL (see block                                          896, FIG. 13) into the temporary                                              location PFCELL.                                                   905        Apply the smoothing algorithm by calcu-                                       lating the sum of ALPHA times NCELL                                           and (one minus ALPHA) times PFCELL,                                           and store the result in NFCELL.                                    906        Transfer the content of NFCELL to the                                         appropriate location of VTABL (I,J) in                                        FILE X. (See Table 7.)                                             907        Load the PV from Scan Only LOOP J,                                            i.e. Process FILE PF (J) into tempor-                                         rary register PV (J).                                              908        Store the content of PF (J) in table                                          STTABL (I,J) of FILE X at a location                                          corresponding to the current values of                                        I and J. See Table 7.                                              910        Has loop Q been processed? If not,                                            enter loop Q at block 898, FIG. 13.                                           If the content of temporary location                                          J is equal to one, go to block 911.                                911        Compare the content of temporary                                              location K with zero. If K is less                                            than zero, go to the B entry location                                         BENTER, FIG. 16. If K equals zero,                                            go to block 921, FIG.15. If K is                                              greater than zero, go to block 912.                                912        Decrement the count in K by one.                                   913        Store the content of K in FILE X(nine).                                       Go to BENTER location in FIG. 16.                                  ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 15                                                        ______________________________________                                        Supplementary Explanation of the Program Steps                                of FIG. 15                                                                    Program                                                                       Step       Comment                                                            ______________________________________                                        921        Is bit position twenty three of the                                           STATUS word from FILE X(zero) set?                                            If not, go to BENTER location of FIG.                                         16. If affirmative, go to block 922.                               922        Reset bit position twenty three of                                            FILE X(zero).                                                      923        Set temporary register J COUNT to                                             zero.                                                              924        Set temporary register I COUNT to                                             zero.                                                              925        Load the correction constant from the                                         appropriate location of RSTABL, Table                                         7, into the temporary location RG.                                 926        Load the standardization value from                                           the appropriate location of STTABL,                                           Table 7, into the temporary location ST.                           927        Calculate the standardizing C factor by                                       dividing RG by ST and store in tem-                                           porary location C.                                                 928        If J COUNT is less than or equal                                              to zero, go to block 929; otherwise                                           go to block 930.                                                   929        Transfer the value stored at FILE X                                           (one hundred thirty nine) to tempor-                                          ary location CORR.                                                 930        Transfer the value stored at FILE X                                           (one hundred forty) to temporary                                              location CORR.                                                     ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 16                                                        ______________________________________                                        Supplementary Explanation of the Program Steps                                of FIG. 16                                                                    Program                                                                       Step       Comment                                                            ______________________________________                                        931        Multiply the value in temporary loca-                                         tion C (see block 927) by the value in                                        CORR and store the adjusted C factor                                          in C.                                                              932        Store value in C in FILE X at CTABL                                           at current values of I COUNT and J                                            COUNT                                                              933        Compare I COUNT to six. If I COUNT                                            is less than six, go to block 934.                                 934        Increment I COUNT by one and reenter                                          at block 925, FIG. 15                                              935        Compare J COUNT and one. If less                                              than one, go to block 936.                                         936        Increment J COUNT by one and reenter                                          at block 924, FIG. 15.                                             937        The computer output contact at point                                          nineteen of digital output (DO) group                                         forty two hundred and six (not shown)                                         is closed by the computer in response                                         to this program step to energize                                              solenoid 240, FIGS. 3 and 6, from the                                         plus 24 volt supply and conductors                                            505 and 506                                                        938        Program Fourteen reschedules itself                                           to run again in approximately one                                             second.                                                            ______________________________________                                    

Comments Regarding Program Fourteen

1. The values stored under RSTABL (118-133) will be identical to thevalues stored under RGTABL(44-59) and, therefore, the former table willbe eliminated when the necessary program changes are also made. The RKand TK correction factor approach allows this simplification of thecalculations.

2. Program Fourteen can be further revised to eliminate the need for thenominal diffusor transmittance, T_(d), completely. Manipulation of theterms of the equations involved permits this elimination. Note referringto Table 4, S.0023, that TPDOTD, the ratio of TPD/TD, is equal to (TSP*TK)/TSD, eliminating the need to know the absolute value of TD. TD isthe computer symbol representing T_(d), the transmittance of thediffuser. Refer also to the paragraph following Table 2.

3. Program Fourteen also calls for the re-initialization of thealgorithm which smooths the "raw" reflectance and transmittance aftereach standardization. It is presently considered that thisre-initialization will not only be unnecessary, but would add to controlproblems. Consequently, this will likely be changed so that thissmoothing goes on indefinitely after a run start-up. (Note: Do notconfuse the smoothing of the "raw" data from the paper with thecorrection factors acquired during standardization--The latter will notand likely should not be smoothed at all.)

4. Program Fourteen has not as yet been debugged. Debugging can only beaccomplished after connecting the computer to the system of FIGS. 1-6via an A to D converter. It is considered that such debugging is aroutine matter well within the skill of the art. It may be noted thatthe OMOD is now on line as shown in FIGS. 1-6 and data collection hasbegun.

Summary of Operation of Program Fourteen

Program Fourteen is designed to perform various functions described asfollows:

1. Sequentially read the reflectance and transmittance values stored inthe Process File until both values for each of the seven OMOD filterpositions are obtained.

It takes about two seconds from the time the filter wheel is advanceduntil the photocell readings reach a near equilibrium condition. ProgramFourteen is, however, linked timewise to the DDC scan program and isprogrammed to run every second also. Consequently, any data acquiredbefore the photocells reach a near equilibrium condition, will be liableto intolerable error. Program Fourteen solves this problem by processingdata on a multisecond interval basis only, e.g., every 2, 3, 4, etc.,seconds depending upon the choice of the value of the term SLOWDOWNwhich inserted in File X(five).

2. Check the OMOD to see if it is operating properly and issue alarms ifit is not. "OMOD Filter Stuck" and "Skipped Filter" alarm messages weremade available.

The upper OMOD head is designed with an extra reed switch 358, FIG. 6,which closes when the brightness filter is in the optical train pathway.(Previous description herein refers to the brightness filter as thefirst position; however, Program Fourteen refers to it as the zeroposition.) The computer program checks the status of this switch asbeing open or closed by means of Point 22-Group 1400. The filter indexis initialized back to zero each time the status of Point 22-Group 1400is closed. Discrepancies, should they occur between the expected filterindex based on the incremented count and the actual filter position canbe readily recognized by this program. This serves as the basis for thealarms previously mentioned.

3. Determine when and how often the optical property Data ReductionProgram, No. Forty Two, (see FIGS. 17-20) is to be run. This iscontrolled by the value chosen for the term "CYCLE".

4. Read the OMOD head position and the average basis weight of the paperbeing produced and store for use in subsequent calculations or programlogic tests. This information is readily available from a basis weightcontrol program which has been in use for several years.

5. Correct the "raw" reflectance and transmittance data by multiplyingeach of the fourteen values by the appropriate correction factor. Thevalues of these correction factors are updated by the laststandardization sequence which occurred prior to their actual use (see 7below).

6. Exponentially smooth each of the corrected reflectance andtransmittance values and store for subsequent calculations.

Exponential smoothing requires a previous value to act upon; however,such previous value is not available for run startup, etc. Aninitialization technique involving an initialization index, k, isemployed to solve this problem. The degree of smoothing is determined bythe value chosen for α (ALPHA).

7. Initialize and control the automatic standardization of the OMOD.

The OMOD heads are mounted next to an Electronic Automation Inc. (EA)basis weight gauge in a piggyback fashion. This EA system utilizes an"O" frame to permit scanning the full web width. It is also designed toautomatically retract the carriage 25, 26, FIG. 2, of the scanningmechanism upon which the basis weight gauge and OMOD are mounted, to anoffsheet position (FIG. 2) at 1-hour intervals. Program Fourteen takesadvantage of this schedule to standardize the OMOD at the same time thatthe basis weight gauge is being standardized. When offsheet, the verydurable Lucalux backing 135, FIG. 3, is always in position to permitchecks of its reflectance and transmittance. Due to its durability andinertness, the latter should remain unchanged for long periods of time.In addition, the moving web will insure its cleanliness prior to eachstandardization occurrence. Consequently, this standardization procedurewill allow for accurate updating of the correction factors for eachfilter position. In so doing, it compensates for any changes which mayinadvertently occur in the light source, filters, photocells, lenses,electronic amplification, etc.

Two overall geometrical correction factors are also employed at thispoint of the program to adjust for any relative head spacing oralignment change that may also inadvertently occur. Experimental datahas shown that the same geometrical correction can be used for eachreflectance measurement. The values of these two factors are, however,not determined automatically, but must be determined by external meansinvolving offline audit testing by comparing OMOD readings with those ofoff-line standard laboratory instruments before being fed into theproper computer storage. Initial values of these two factors will beunity; in which case, the relative head geometry will be assumed to bein standard condition and no geometrical correction factor required.

The alternative to using these geometrical correction factors is torealign and/or respace the heads when needed. In the case of minoradjustments, the former approach is clearly the more desirable where theheads are in an inaccessible location and functioning on a high-speedpaper machine with little downtime available for such mechanicalreadjustments.

Program fourteen as presently devised, does not call for the exponentialsmoothing of the correction factors updated upon each standardization.This could be easily changed should on-line experience indicate thatsuch smoothing is desirable.

8. Control the advance of the OMOD filter wheel 210, FIG. 4, to the nextfilter position at the desired time interval. This is accomplished bythe computer 996, FIG. 6, directing the closure of a loop 505, 506, FIG.6, which energizes the solenoid. The energized solenoid lifts the rachetarm 230, FIG. 3, clear of the lug against which it was previouslybraced. The filter wheel shaft is under a continuous torque, tending torotate it at all times. Thus, it begins to rotate when freed of theholding ratchet arm; but it is stopped again at the next lug, since bythen the solenoid attached to the ratchet arm is once again de-energizedby computer command. The low torque motor 209, FIG. 6, designed to bestalled indefinitely without harm provides the necessary filter wheeltorque.

9. Program fourteen reschedules itself to run again in approximately 1second.

Optical Property Data Reduction Subroutine of FIGS. 17-20 (Program FortyTwo)

The purpose of this program is to reduce the corrected reflectance andtransmittance data into terms with which papermakers are familiar andupon which paper optical specifications are based; e.g., brightness,opacity, color and fluorescence. A description of this program follows.

The following Tables will serve to supplement the labels applied to theblocks of the flow chart illustrating this program.

                  TABLE 17                                                        ______________________________________                                        Supplementary Explanation of the Program Steps                                of FIG. 17                                                                    Program                                                                       Step       Comment                                                            ______________________________________                                        941        Entry to Program Forty Two                                         942        Load grade correction factor table                                            from bulk storage into the temporary                                          core storage table TMPSAV.                                         943        Was transfer to TMPSAV completed?                                  944        Read the grade code from the process                                          variable input file MO3 to obtain a                                           sixteen word group index.                                          945        Transfer TMPSAV into the working                                              core file SGTABL.                                                  946        Load content of FILE X (ten) into                                             CYCLE. This register is decre-                                                mented during operation of Program                                            Fourteen.                                                          947        Compare CYCLE and zero.                                            948        If cycle is greater than zero, turn                                           Program Forty Two off and return                                              to RTMOS.                                                          949        Set location J to one.                                             950        Set location I to zero.                                            951        On entry at B, set location J                                                 to one.                                                            952        Increment the value in location                                               I by one.                                                          953        Load value from SGTABL of                                                     FILE X (See Table 7) for                                                      current values of I and J into                                                SGCF.                                                              ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 18                                                        ______________________________________                                        Supplementary Explanation of the Program Steps                                of FIG. 18                                                                    Program                                                                       Step        Comment                                                           ______________________________________                                        954         Load pertinent value from RGTABL                                              into TD.                                                          955         Load indexed content of VTABL                                                 into TDP.                                                         956         Multiply by SGCF (See block 953,                                              FIG. 17).-957 Set J to zero.                                      958         Load indexed value from RGTABL                                                of FILE X into RG.                                                959         Load desired value from SGTABL of                                             FILE X into SGCF.                                                 960         Load indexed value from VTABL of                                              FILE X into R.                                                    961         Multiply R and SGCF and store                                                 product in R.                                                     962         Calculate R.sub.o using the equation given                                    in Table 6 in conventional form.                                  963         Calculate transmittance T using the                                           equation of Table 6.                                              964         Calculate the value A/2 where A is                                            given in Table 6.                                                 965         See the equation for R.sub.oo in Table 6.                         966         See the equation for R.sub.oo in Table 6.                         967-        The scattering coefficient S is also                              970         calculated using Kubelka-Munk                                                 Theory on the basis of the equation:                                           ##STR5##                                                                      ##STR6##                                                                     a =(1 + R.sub.o.sup.2 - T.sup.2)/2 R.sub.o                        971         The absorption coefficient K is found                                         from the equation:                                                            K = S (a - 1).                                                    ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 19                                                        ______________________________________                                        Supplementary Explanation of the Program Steps                                of FIG. 19                                                                    Program                                                                       Step       Comment                                                            ______________________________________                                        972        Transfer the calculated data to the                                           temporary data tables at the loca-                                            tions corresponding to the current                                            value of I.                                                        973        Store calculated scattering coefficient                                       S and absorption coefficient K in                                             FILE X.                                                            974        Go to entry B at block 951, FIG. 17,                                          to repeat the calculations for the                                            other filter wheel positions if I is                                          less than six.                                                     975        See the calculation of F.sub.Z in the sec-                                    tion of this specification entitled                                           "Structure and Operation of a Proto-                                          type Optical Monitoring Device".                                   976        Calculate R.sub.oo including fluorescence                                     contribution and store at ZRINF.                                   977        For example F.sub.x(Blue) may equal                                978        1.204 F.sub.Z where F.sub.Z is found                                          at step 975, and R.sub.oo (X.sub.blue) plus                                   F.sub.x (Blue)  gives the desired value                                       for BRINF.                                                         979        For example F.sub.Brightness may equal                             980        0.864 F.sub.Z. Thus R.sub.oo (Brightness                                      with fluorescense) plus F.sub.Brightness                                      and this sum is stored at BRRINF.                                  981        Printing opacity is calculated                                                by dividing R.sub.o by R.sub.oo (both from                                    the Yc filter wheel position.                                      982        For TAPPI opacity, obtain the ratio                                983        of R.sub.o to R.89 using the Y.sub.A filter                                   wheel position.                                                    984        The C.I.E. X tristimulus value is                                             calculated as follows:                                                        X = 0.196 R.sub.oo (X.sub.Blue) + .78 R.sub.oo                                (X Red)                                                            985        C.I.E. tristimulus value                                                      Y = R.sub.oo (Y.sub.c)                                             986        C.I.E. tristimulus value                                                      Z = 1.18 R.sub.oo (Z)                                              987        Compare block 985.                                                 988        See blocks 984, 985 and 987.                                       989        See blocks 985, 986 and 987.                                       ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 20                                                        ______________________________________                                        Supplementary Explanation of the Program Steps                                of FIG. 20                                                                    Program                                                                       Step       Comment                                                            ______________________________________                                        990        See Table 7 for a showing of OUTABL.                                          The data in OUTABL is available for                                           print out on demand.                                               991        The reset value at FILE X (one hun-                                           dred thirty seven) is placed at FILE                                          X(ten). See Table 7.                                               992        Save FILE X in the permanent core                                             table beginning at location 63200.                                 993        Turn Program Forty Two off and                                                return to RTMOS.                                                   ______________________________________                                    

Comments Regarding Program Forty-Two

1. Although not indicated as yet, the output of the fluorescentcontribution to TAPPI brightness will be part of the computer outputwhen the programs are finalized.

2. Program Forty-Two has been checked out against a currently operatingprogram used on a research Hewlett-Packard computer and both give thesame results.

3. It is planned to study means of determining and using the SpecificGrade Correction Factor other than that described in Program Forty-Two.It may be decided to apply such correction directly to R_(oo) ratherthan to the smoothed values of T_(pd) and R_(g). The transmittance ofthe paper, T, may not need any Specific Grade Correction and could thenbe used along with the corrected R_(oo) to compute the scattering andabsorption coefficients s and k. The latter will be very useful and mayrepresent preferred parameters for closed loop control.

Summary of Operation of Program Forty-Two

The purpose of this program is to reduce the corrected reflectance andtransmittance data into terms with which papermakers are familiar andupon which paper optical specifications are based; e.g., brightness,opacity, color and fluorescence. A description of this program follows.

1. The data reduction steps of this program are performed only if theterm "CYCLE" which is decremented in Program Fourteen, is zero ornegative. Otherwise, this data reduction routine is by-passedcompletely.

2. The exponentially smoothed reflectance and transmittance dataacquired by Program Fourteen are first corrected by multiplying each ofthe fourteen values by an appropriate Specific Grade Correction Factor(SGCF). With a few exceptions the SGCF'S provide only small corrections,if any at all. The SGCF'S serve two purposes.

a. They compensate for the small errors resulting from the use of theKubelka-Munk or energy balance equations when the latter do not applyexactly.

b. They allow the reduced data values to precisely correspond to any oneof several possible off-line instruments. Existing off-line instrumentsdo not agree among themselves. Thus, the choice of the off-lineinstrument for performing the audit testing will affect the values ofthe SGCF'S.

3. The next part of Program Forty-Two computes and stores the values ofR_(o), T, Roo, S and K of the paper being measured for each of the firstsix of the seven OMOD filter positions. Kubelka-Munk and IPC derivedenergy balance equations are used for this purpose. Note that prior tothese calculations, the reflectance values were those of the single plyof paper when backed by the Lucalux and were symbolized by R_(g).Similarly, the former transmittance values were those of the single plyof paper in series with the Lucalux, now serving as a diffusing window.This was symbolized by T_(pd).

The phenomenon of fluorescence is not accounted for by Kubelka-Munktheory. For this reason the OMOD optical geometry was chosen to excludefluorescence by eliminating ultra violet (U.V.) light from the incidentlight beam of the first six filter positions. For reasons explainedlater, the seventh filter position permits the reflectance of the Zfunction with ultra violet energy present in the incident beam.

4. The degree of fluorescence as measured by the "FluroescentContribution" is determined next. Fluorescence occurs as a result ofexcitation of special dyes (optical brightness or fluorescent dyes) byultra violet energy contained within the incident light beam(s). The"Fluorescent Contribution" is defined here to be the increase of thereflected light flux that occurs as a result of the existence of somestandard quantity of ultra violet energy in the incident light beam.

Such U.V. energy is rapidly absorbed by the outer layers of mostconventional papers. Consequently, fluorescence is primarily acharacteristic of the surface of the paper being viewed. Thus, forpractical purposes, the value of [R_(g) (with fluor.)-R_(g) (withoutfluor)]=[R_(oo) (with fluor.)-R_(oo) (without fluor.)] when the sameincident light beam containing the same U.V. energy is used in bothcases. The right side of this equation is by the definition above, theFluorescent Contribution provided the standard quantity of U.V. light isemployed in the incident beam. The left side of this equation is aquantity measureable on a single ply of the moving paper web. In thecase of the OMOD a measure of the fluorescent contribution to the Zfunction reflectance is obtained from the term, [R_(g) (Filter No.7)R_(g) (Filter No. 4)]. The filter arrangement existing in the No. 7OMOD filter position permits about twice the standard quantity of U.V.energy to strike the paper. (The U.V. energy in the incident beam of theStandard TAPPI Brightness Tester is considered to be the standardquantity here). This increases the sensitivity of this measurement bytwo-fold. It also necessitates the use of a proportionality constant ofapproximately one-half to compute the value of the standard FluorescentContribution to the Z function reflectance.

The Fluorescent Contribution to the reflectance of the X_(R) andBrightness functions can be computed directly from the Z functionFluorescent Contribution. The multiplication factors involved areconstant for a given optical brightner and need to be changed only ifthe type of optical brightner is changed. The Fluorescent Contributor tothe Y_(C), Y_(A) and X_(R) functions can be ignored as beinginconsequential to the typical optical brightner used in the paperindustry today.

5. Defining equations are used to compute and store for accessibleputout values of the following:

a. Standard TAPPI Brightness

b. Printing opacity based on illuminant C

c. R₈₉ based on illuminant A

d. TAPPI opacity based on illuminant A

e. X Tristimulus value

f. Y Tristimulus value

g. Z Tristimulus value

h. Hunter Coordinate, L

i. Hunter Coordinate, a

j. Hunter Coordinate, b

k. Fluorescent Contribution to TAPPI Brightness

DISCUSSION RELATING TO THE PRESENT INVENTION BASED ON A PAPER PUBLISHEDIN 1974

The following pages are excerpts based on a paper prepared for theAmerican Paper Institute, which paper is dated Jan. 10, 1974 (and isunderstood to have been actually published some time after Jan. 23,1974.) The paper was prepared by an author who is a joint contributor tocertain improvements described but not claimed herein. The paper existsin printed form and is incorporated herein by reference. Theincorporated paper is identified as "REPORT NO. 58, TO: American PaperInstitute Instrumentation Program", "SUBJECT: An Analysis of On-MachineOptical Instrumentation", "DATE: Jan. 10, 1974" and is submitted by theInstitute of Paper Chemistry, Appleton, Wis.

The Institute of Paper Chemistry was retained to evaluate an earlyconception of an on-the-paper-machine optical monitoring device forsimultaneous measurement of reflected and transmitted light, and toassist in the optimum implementation of such conception. Accordingly, asubstantial portion of the work reported in the following excerptsappears to inure as part of the original conception.

The following discussion is presented with respect to each of theillustrated embodiments as constituting a description bearing on thebackground of the invention and as clarifying and amplifying on thenature of such invention, even through the paper may also includesubject matter which is based on work entirely independent of theproject sponsored by the assignee of the present invention. Further, thepaper will indicate the range of equivalents to each of the illustratedembodiments with respect to matters such as spectrum and geometry ofillumination.

Summary

Various aspects of the on-machine measurement of the optical propertiesof paper for the control of opacity, standard brightness, and color havebeen examined. Whereas many optical property specifications are based onreflectances determined on opaque pads of paper, on-machine measurementsare limited to the various optical values which can be determined onsingle thicknesses of a moving web. Thus, one must either control to theoptical property which can be measured on-machine or strive to developreliable correlations between the on-machine and off-machinemeasurements. The latter approach is more desirable. For this purpose,it is advantageous to adopt the design features of the off-machinetesting apparatus to the fullest extent possible for on-machine use.Fortunately, the important factors in optical instrument design relatedto spectral characteristics, geometry, and photometric linearity can betranslated to on-machine use with considerable exactness.

A large number of different approaches are possible in the measurementof optical properties of single sheets for purposes of control. Ofthese, however, distinctions can be made between single measurements, ofreflectance, for example, and the measurement of two optical parametersfor the same sampled area. The latter approach permits calculation ofthick pad reflectivity values using appropriate theory with an essentialindependence of basis weight, whereas single reflectance data arefunctions of basis weight requiring empirical compensation. Althoughvarious possible pairs of optical measurements can be made on the samespecimen area, among the most satisfactory for the use of theory arereflectance with black body backing and transmittance. The Kubelka-Munktheory, though not rigorously applicable in practice, has been shown tobe rather successful in predicting thick pad reflectivity from such datain laboratory tests for white papers of reasonable homogeneity. It isless successful for deeply colored papers and for sheets of very lowbasis weight.

The sensitivity of spacing of white backings from paper specimens wasmeasured with respect to the color of various commercial papers. At acentral spacing of 0.32 cm, it was determined that a variation inspacing of about 0.020 inches (0.05 cm) is possible for most paperswithout noticeable color difference.

Optical measurements would be made on-machine on webs of varyingmoisture content and at elevated temperatures compared to a controlledlaboratory testing environment. An experiment study of the effect ofchanging moisture content (R.H. range of 5 to 84%) on color showed smalleffects for most white papers, which were attributed to differences insurface structure. Somewhat larger effects were noted using directionalillumination compared to diffuse illumination. The largest effects, forsome colored papers, were attributed to changing spectral absorptioncharacteristics of the dyestuff. Sheet moisture content effects onoptical properties were judged to be within tolerable limits over arange corresponding to relative humidities between 5 and 50%.

The effect of temperature on the color of various commercial papers wasstudied over a range of 23° to 62° C. Important effects were found onlyfor two colored papers. It was noted that significant elevations ofspecimen surface temperature can occur in optical apparatus employinghigh-intensity illumination.

Most other variables involving paper properties, machine operation, andmill environmental conditions are unlikely to be eliminated throughinstrument design or through the development of appropriate compensatingfactors. For these remaining factors, empirical correlations would berequired to establish agreement between optical data or obtained on andoff machine.

Introduction

Specifications for the various optical properties of paper are presentlybased on measurements made with laboratory instruments. Considerablestandardization of optical instrumentation and testing methods have beendeveloped, but new instruments and analytical methods are oftenintroduced to the industry as well. Changes are welcome when theyprovide advantages in such areas as the utility of the measurement,improved accuracy, better agreement between laboratories, and in overalltesting costs. The well-established advantages of industry-widestandardization in the measurement of the optical properties, however,must always receive serious consideration.

In recent years, the control of paper quality on the paper machine hasgrown in importance and, for optical properties, on-line control is avery practical objective. Good control strategy requires that theproperties of the sheet be determined rapidly on the moving web, but itis usually not possible to duplicate laboratory instrumentation foron-machine use. Whereas on-machine measurements are limited to such dataas can be acquired on a single thickness of paper, optical propertiessuch as brightness and color are determined on multiple thicknesses. Toooften, optical instrumentation is developed for on-machine use withemphasis on the control function, but without serious considerationgiven to the further problem of conforming to off-machine opticalproperty standards. The implied assumption is that a good reliablecorrelation will exist between the on-machine and off-machine opticalmeasurements. Perhaps the most logical approach to the development ofon-machine optical instrumentation is to design for maximum conformancewith laboratory instrumentation is such factors as instrument geometryand spectral characteristics, to employ existing theory as far aspossible to inter-relate single-sheet versus multiple-sheet opticalmeasurements and to employ empirical correlations to the minimum extentrequired.

As on-machine optical instrumentation becomes more widely adopted, theadvantages of continuously monitoring the optical properties of paper inreal-time compared to the intermittent and few data which can beacquired by off-machine testing could lead to the use of specificationsin the buying and selling of paper which are based on the on-machineinstrumentation. Should this ever occur, it is particularly desirablethat such on-machine specifications bear the highest possible degree ofcorrelation with the off-machine specifications in current use.

In this report, many of the factors involved in the opticalcharacterization of a moving web in a paper machine environment arediscussed relative to the off-machine properties of brightness, colorand opacity.

Optical Property Measurement and Specification

Brightness

Papermaker's brightness, sometimes called G.E. brightness and now"standard brightness" was first established in the early 1930's as theparticular reflectivity (R_(oo)) of paper determined with an instrumenthaving a specified spectral response, specified geometry, and goodphotometric accuracy (1). At the same time, a system of calibration wasdeveloped whereby opal glass and paper standards are furnishedperiodically for each instrument.

In the early days, the scale was based on "smoked" magnesium oxide but,because of difficulty in arriving at a reproducible reflecting surface,a technique for measuring the absolute reflectance of magnesium oxidewas developed (2). Thus, a total system (3) was made available so thatthis particular refectivity could be measured industrywide with anaccuracy of about ±0.3 reflectivity units. TAPPI standards T217 and T452give the detailed specifications for the measurement of standardbrightness for pulp and for paper and paperboard respectively. Thefollowing specifications are involved.

Spectral Response

The effective wavelength of an instrument for the measurement ofstandard brightness is 457 nm. Although the effective wavelength is themost important parameter describing the spectral response, wavelengthbandwidth and shape of the function also influence the result and arespecified. The standardized overall spectral response of the brightnessinstrument which includes the spectral power distribution of the lightsource, the spectral transmittance of the glass lenses and filters, andthe spectral response of the phototube is given in Table I.

                  TABLE I                                                         ______________________________________                                        Spectral Response of an Instrument for the Measurement                        of Standard Brightness                                                                        Spectral Response                                             Wavelength, nm  Arbitrary Units                                               ______________________________________                                        400             1.0                                                           405             2.9                                                           410             6.7                                                           415             12.1                                                          420             18.2                                                          425             25.8                                                          430             34.5                                                          435             44.9                                                          440             57.6                                                          445             70.0                                                          450             82.5                                                          455             94.1                                                          460             100.0                                                         465             99.3                                                          470             88.7                                                          475             72.5                                                          480             53.1                                                          485             34.0                                                          490             20.3                                                          495             11.1                                                          500             5.6                                                           505             2.2                                                           510             0.3                                                           ______________________________________                                    

The prescribed spectral response precludes use of a spectrophotometeremploying a narrow bandwidth at 457 nm for the accurate measurement ofstandard brightness.

The spectral response function was chosen in the blue region of thespectrum for maximum sensitivity to changes in bleaching and the fadingof paper with time. Once specified, however, the spectral response ofdifferent instruments must be maintained to close tolerances forreproducibility in measurement on an industry-wide basis.

When papers exhibit fluorescence, whether naturally or because of theaddition of fluorescent dyes, the spectral power distribution of thelight incident on the specimen must be specified. For standardbrightness, the specified spectral power distribution of the lightincident on the specimen is given in Table II. Thus, adherence to thespectral specifications of Tables I and II permits the accuratedetermination of standard brightness of fluorescent as well asnonfluorescent papers.

                  TABLE II                                                        ______________________________________                                                        Spectral Power Distribution                                                   of the Light Incident on                                      Wavelengths, nm the Specimen Arbitrary Units                                  ______________________________________                                        320             0.0                                                           330             0.7                                                           340             9.7                                                           360             9.7                                                           380             17.1                                                          400             26.0                                                          420             37.2                                                          440             50.3                                                          460             64.1                                                          480             80.0                                                          500             100.0                                                         ______________________________________                                    

In addition, the spectral transmittance of the filters and the phototuberesponse are selected such that the instrument has negligible responseto near-infrared radiant energy whether reflected from the specimen oras a result of speciment infrared fluorescence (4). It is important tonote that some colored glass filters with essentially no transmittancein the red region of the spectrum will transmit substantially in thenear infrared. Geometry

The geometry employed for the measurement of brightness is illuminationat 45° and normal viewing with the incident and reflected beam conehalf-angles specified at 11.5° and 22.5° respectively. The angles ofillumination and viewing are critical as paper surfaces are not idealdiffusers, and the numerical values obtained are a function of theparticular geometry employed. Paper surfaces also exhibit directionaleffects. The light reflected when the specimen is illuminated in the"machine direction" is generally less than if the specimen isilluminated in the "across-machine direction". The brightnessmeasurement is usually performed with the specimen illuminated in the"machine direction" and on the felt or top side. A sufficient number ofsheets are required to form an opaque pad.

In the more translucent papers, an appreciable penetration of light intothe sample occurs. As a result of internal light scattering, theilluminated area may differ significantly from the area of reflectanceor light emergence. When this condition exists, the relative dimensionsof the areas illuminated and viewed, the distribution of light on theilluminated spot, the alignment of the illuminated and viewed areas andtheir shapes can influence the result. In the instrument employed forthe brightness measurement, the viewed area and the size and position ofthe illuminated spot are adjusted to prescribed standards. Conformancewith the standard is ensured through use of the calibration standards.Properly adjusted, the instrument can be used to measure standardbrightness of strongly translucent as well as opaque material.Photometry.

The photometric accuracy of an instrument for the measurement ofbrightness should be better than 0.1 point on a 0-100 scale (5). Theoverall error introduced through discrepancies in spectral response,geometry and the basis of standardization must total less than 0.3point.

TAPPI OPACITY

Opacity has long been defined in the paper industry as 100 times theratio of the diffuse reflectance of a single sheet backed with a blackbody to its diffuse reflectance backed by a white body having aneffective absolute reflectance of 0.89. An instrument designed and builtin the early 1930's and has formed the basis of a system for determiningTAPPI Opacity (6) .

Spectral Response

The overall spectral response of the instrument including the spectralpower distribution of the light source, spectral transmittance of theglass lenses and filter, spectral reflectivity of the integrating cavitylining and spectral response of the photocell is that the E_(a) yfunction (visibility function, Illuminant A) of the CIE system (7). Theeffective wavelength is 572 nm and the function extends over the entirevisible spectrum. The specified broad-band spectral function makes theuse of narrow-band instruments inappropriate for the measurement ofopacity even though the effective wavelength is proper.

Fluorescent dyes, known in industry as optical brighteners, have arather small, if not negligible, influence on opacity as the spectralresponse of the instrument in the usual fluorescent region (blue) of thespectrum is quite low. Also, the fluorescent radiation from a singlesheet probably would not be too different when backed by a black orwhite body.

The spectral reflectivity of the integrating cavity lining doesinfluence the overall spectral response of the instrument (3) and,because it is difficult to maintain a constant lining reflectance, asystem for checking and maintaining the lining reflectance is essentialto good accuracy. Geometry

The geometry employed for the measurement of opacity is illumination at20° and diffuse viewing. The photodetector receives light that is bothdiffusely and specularly reflected from the specimen and, because thereis no baffle, the photodetector also views the light directly reflectedfrom the specimen. The ratio of diffusely to directly reflected lightdepends upon the level of reflectance of the integrating cavity lining(physical dimensions also are influencing factors but remain constant)and, as this ratio changes, significant changes in measured opacity canoccur (8).

The illuminated area is about 10 mm in diameter with a specimen apertureof about 14.3 mm in diameter. If translucent papers or standards are tobe evaluated or used, the ratio of the viewed to the illuminated area isimportant (8). The state of focus and alignment of the optical systemparticularly influences the values obtained for translucent materials.

Stray light caused by a dirty or misaligned optical system can be asource of error. The otpical system should be cleaned and aligned suchthat the difference in scale reading with the black body over thespecimen opening when the light is blocked off before entering thecavity and with the light passing through the cavity into the black bodyshould not be over 0.5 (0-100 scale). The reflectance of the black bodyshould not be more than about 0.1%. The instrument scale is adjusted toread zero when the stray light is included.

Photometry

The photometric accuracy of different original instruments, employing aphotocell-galvanometer system, varied from near perfect linearity todeviations as much as several points, depending upon the components.More recently, with the addition of solid state amplifiers and digitalreadouts, the photometric accuracy can be better than 0.1 (0-100 scale).

Calibration Standardization

In the measurement of the ratio R_(o) /R₀.89, it is necessary that thewhite body have an effective reflectance of 0.89. The instrument isequipped with a rotatable tube, one end of which contains a black cavityand the other the white body. A sheet of paper is placed over thespecimen opening and, alternately, the black and white bodies arebrought into position. The usual white body consists of a plug ofappropriately surfaced magnesium carbonate within a protective glasscover. Changing the spacing between the surface of the magnesiumcarbonate and the specimen permits adjustment of the effectivereflectance of the white body. There are two generally accepted meansfor arriving at the proper white body effective reflectance. One is toemploy properly calibrated opal glass standards. While convenient,unless the instrument is properly adjusted with respect to translucencyeffects, substantial error can result. As constructed originally, thespecimen supporting surface often departed from the intended plane.Thus, while the paper could follow a particular contour, the rigid glassstandards will not, resulting in further error. After correcting thesepotential defects, it is possible to use opal glass standards and takeadvantage of their great convenience.

A second more basic method consists of determining R₀ and R_(oo) for aparticular paper specimen on the absolute scale and, through use of therelationship sometimes known as the "balance of energy" equation (9) orthe Kubekla-Munk theory (10, 11, 12), to calcuate R₀.89 for thatspecimen. The white body can then be adjusted so that this value isobtained instrumentally. Care should be exercised so that allreflectances are obtained on an identical area of the specimen. Chartsare available (13) relating the reflectances R_(o), R_(oo) and R₀.89 oran appropriately programmed computer can be used to calculate the R₀.89value.

Paper opacity standards calibrated for use with the opacimeter are nowalso available. These are convenient to use and will eliminate some ofthe difficulties associated with the opal glass calibration standards.

Magnesium oxide powder with an assigned absolute reflectance value isalso available for use in calibrating the opacimeter for the measurementof relfectance on the absolute scale.

PRINTING OPACITY

While the choice of spectral response for the measurement of opacity wasexcellent, the choice of the ratio R_(o) /R₀.89 as opposed to R_(o)/R_(oo) was not. Printing opacity (R_(o) /R_(oo)) more nearly relates tothe end use of the product and would eliminate the problem of adjustingthe white body (14). The fact that a single sheet is required for themeasurement of TAPPI Opacity whereas an opaque pad is required forprinting opacity appears to be a factor in the reluctance of theindustry to change. It is more convenient to determine the opacity ofthe single sheet using the white body.

COLOR

Spectrophotometers and filter colorimeters are the two main classes ofinstruments employed in the measurement of color. The spectrophotometerprovides basic reflectivity information as a function of wavelength overthe entire visible spectrum. The reflectivity (R_(oo)), obtained on thethick pads of paper, with the values based on the absolute scale isbasic to color measurement. The reflectivity curve contains theessential information regarding the color of the object, butconsiderable computation is required to derive the desired colorimetricspecifications. Spectral

In the numerical specification of color, it is necessary to specify thespectral characterisitics of the illuminant and the spectral response ofthe observer. The CIE system (7) gives the spectral power distributionfor various illuminants and the spectral response of the standardobserver. Illuminant C has been used almost exclusively in the past inthe specification of color, however, the use of illuminant D₆₅₀₀ (15) isnow being considered. The specifications for Illuminant D₆₅₀₀ includethe ultraviolet region of the spectrum. The ultraviolet region forIlluminant C was not specified.

For color definition in the CIE system, the psychophysical response ofthe "standard observer" to the spectral distribution of light reflectedfrom a specimen (as provided by the spectral power distribution of theilluminant and the spectral reflectivity curve) is matched by acombination of three standard stimuli, each of appropriate power. Therelative levels for the three separate stimuli are the tristimulusvalues which together constitute the chromaticity of a color. It is moreuseful to compute the fraction each stimulus has to their sum since onlytwo of the three fractions need by specified for chromaticitydefinition. It then becomes possible to restate the chromaticity of themeasured color, for a given illuminant, in terms of "dominantwavelength" and "purity". To complete this specification of color, theluminous reflectance of the specimen is provided directly in the CIEsystem by the tristimulus value "Y".

Geometry

Four illumination and viewing conditions are recommended for use in theCIE system. These include illumination at 45° and viewing normal to thesurface (0°), normal illumination with 45° viewing, diffuse illuminationwith normal viewing and normal illumination with diffuse viewing.Various advantages and disadvantages relate to each of these geometriesfrom the viewpoint of best representing visual estimates of color.Generally, the geometry employed for visual inspection is more nearly45°-0° or 0°-45°. Thus, an instrument equipped with this geometry wouldbe expected to agree more closely with visual estimates than aninstrument equipped with diffuse--normal geometry. It can be clearlydemonstrated that a colorimetric evaluation using an instrument equippedwith diffuse-normal geometry does not correlate closely with visualestimates for certain surfaces. Also, it is difficult to maintain aconstant integrating cavity lining reflectance for long periods. Thediffuse-normal geometry, however, is less sensitive to surface roughnessand will give more reproducible results when specimens having anirregular surface are evaluated.

Control of the sizes, shapes and relative positions of the illuminatedand viewed areas is also required for proper accounting of specimentranslucency effects. Photometry

Photometric accuracy of better than 0.1 point (0-100 scale) is desired.

Filter Colorimeters

Though the spectrophotometric approach to color measurement is the mostbasic and rigorous, its greater cost and computational demands have ledto the development of filter colorimetry. One approach involves the useof suitable lamp, filters and photodetector combinations chosen to matchthe spectral functions of the CIE system (x, y, z). Thus, the instrumentoutput may be in the form of the tristimulus values of the CIE system.Although the y and z functions can be matched quite well, the doublepeak of the x function precludes the use of a single filter-photocellcombination. Recourse is made either to the computation of the bluecontribution to the x function from the z function (three-filtercolorimeter) (16) or to the use of two filters with properly weightedcombined output (four-filter colorimeter) for the x function. The lattergives a more accurate measure of the X tristimulus value particularlyfor specimens having spectral reflectivity curves with a steep slopethrough the blue region of the Spectrum. For color matching,particularly in control applications, the three or four-filtercolorimeter may prove useful for many colors of commercial interest.However, it is subject to many limitations such as basic accuracy andthe fact that colorimetric data are obtained for a single illuminant.For instance, the match may be metameric and under another illuminantthere could be a serious mismatch.

Another form of colorimeter involves the use of a larger number ofnarrow-band filters with transmittance peaks distributed across thevisible spectrum. If the filter transmittances are confined tosufficiently narrow ranges of wavelength and an adequate number areused, one may approach the utility of an abridged spectrophotometer. Formany purposes of control, the abridged spectrophotometer can haveimportant advantages over the three or four-filter colorimeter.

If a specimen exhibits fluorescence, the best spectrophotometer orfilter colorimeter design utilizes illuminants with broad spectral powerdistribution, including appropriate intensities in the ultraviolet, withviewing through a monochromator for the spectrophotometer and throughappropriate filters for the colorimeter. Thus, the fluorescent radiationwill be excited in accordance with the spectral power distribution ofthe illuminant and the photodetector will view the reflected light andfluorescent radiation properly.

ON-MACHINE MEASUREMENT OF OPTICAL PROPERTIES

The optical information which can be acquired on the moving web of apaper machine is limited essentially to that which can be obtained usinga single sheet. Reflectances can be obtained for various conditions ofillumination of the single sheet and for different backings. The backingcan be black body or established at various reflectance levels.Ordinarily the backing would consist of ceramic or glass placed eitherat a specific distance from the sheet surface or in contact with thesheet. In addition to such reflectivity measurements as can be obtained,it is often possible to obtain useful transmittance information (exceptfor very opaque sheets). Of course, where the transmittance is very low,the reflectance of a single sheet will approach the true R_(oo) value.

Optical specifications which properly apply to thick pad reflectances,R_(oo), are not readily abandoned in favor of specifications based onsingle sheet reflectances. Hence, the question of correlation of suchon-machine data as can be obtained with actual experimentally determinedR_(oo) data is of interest. The most useful approach is to utilize tothe fullest possible extent the existing theory which permitscalculation of R_(oo) from on-machine optical data. To the extent thatsuch calculated values are not in agreement with the experimental data,empirical correlations could then be applied to bridge the remaininggap. Such an approach is more desirable than is dependence on empiricalcorrelations alone especially if the calculated result is in closeagreement with off-machine determinations.

the equations, based on the Kubelka-Munk theory, which interrelatevarious reflection and transmittance measurements are of principalinterest in obtaining estimates of the reflectivity, R_(oo), fromon-machine measurements. It is always necessary to obtain two differentoptical parameters preferably on the same areas of single sheets for thecalculation of R_(oo) using these equations. The two measurements cantake many forms. For example, the reflectance of paper with black bodybacking (R_(o)) along with transmittance (T) is both appropriate andexperimentally desirable. It is also possible to employ any tworeflectances, obtained with different backings, but this introducesproblems, particularly with the backing reflectance color. Through theappropriate measurement of two optical parameters, it is also possibleto characterize papers in terms of their scattering and absorptionpowers--not possible with single reflectance measurements

The theoretical relationship between R_(oo), R_(o) and T is given inequations 1 and 2. This relationship would be applied as far as possiblevarious desired spectral power distributions, such as are employed instandard brightness, TAPPI Opacity, and the various spectral functionsassociated with color measurement. ##EQU1##

Where the R_(oo) values are determined with the appropriate filters, thetristimulus values (Illuminant C) can be calculated as shown.

    ______________________________________                                        X(blue)   = 0.1973 R.sub.oo     (3)                                           X(red)    = 0.7831 R.sub.oo     (4)                                           X         = X (red) + X (blue)  (5)                                           Y         = R.sub.oo            (6)                                           Z         = 1.1812 R.sub.oo     (7)                                           ______________________________________                                    

TAPPI Opacity can be calculated using equations 8 and 9 where R' isequal to 0.89.

    R.sub.R '=R.sub.o +R'T.sup.2 /1-R.sub.o R'                 (8)

    C.sub.0.89 =100R.sub.o /R.sub.R '                          (9)

Although it has often been demonstrated that the "balance of energy"equations and the Kubelka-Munk theory are very useful in interrelatingthe optical properties of paper determined under many differentconditions of geometry and spectral power distributions, it is importantto recall that some of the conditions required by theory are not met inpractice. Among these, the specimen should be illuminated and viewedwith diffuse light, monochromatic light should be employed and theoptical properties of the material should conform to the requirementthat the absorption and scattering of light be independent of each otherand occur at numerous discrete sites spaced randomly throughout thesubstance. All reflectance and transmittance values should be determinedon the absolute basis. The fact that these conditions are seldom metrequires experimental testing of the theory for each intended use.

Experimental data were acquired to test the validity of this use of thetheory for a number of "white" as well as more strongly colored papers.The extent of agreement which might be expected between the calculatedreflectivity, R_(oo), using equations 1 and 2 and experimentallydetermined R_(o) and T values, and actually measured R_(oo) values wasexamined for two different optical systems. Neither system would likelybe used in making optical measurements on moving webs, but both servethe purpose of testing the relationships in actual use situations.

In the first set of experiments, handsheets were prepared from bleachedhardwood pulp, refined to 450 ml C.S.F., at basis weights of 32, 64, 96and 127 g/m². The optical properties of these samples were determinedusing the General Electric Recording Spectrophotometer with "reversed"optics (GERS-RF). The specimen was illuminated diffusely with thespectral power distribution of a tungsten filament source modified bythe integrating cavity lining. Viewing of the specimen was at 6° to thenormal. Four filters were interposed separately in the reflected beam togive the spectral response for the overall system of the E_(c) x, E_(c)y and the E_(c) z functions of the CIE system. Two filters were utilizedto obtain the E_(c) x function. The R_(oo) values, calculated from themeasured R_(o) and T values using equations 1 and 2 , are compared withthe R_(oo) values measured directly with the GERS-RF. The data given inTable I are averages for five different specimens at each basis weight .. .

The calculated and measured tristimulus values are in good agreement forthe white and blue bond paper with rather poor ageement for the pinkbond paper. The color differences based on the differences in thecalculated and measured tristimulus values are given in Table IV.

                  TABLE IV                                                        ______________________________________                                        Color Differences (ΔE) Related to the                                   Differences Between the Calculated and Measured                               Tristimulus Values for Five Commercial Papers                                 Commercial Papers       ΔE                                              ______________________________________                                        White Bond              0.6                                                   Tracing Paper           1.6                                                   Pink Bond               8.9                                                   Coated Paper            2.1                                                   Blue Bond               0.9                                                   ______________________________________                                    

Where the color differences are very large, it is probably attributableto the broad bandwidth of the spectral functions used to determine thetristimulus values and the substantial changes in reflectance withwavelength for the more highly colored papers. This can lead to error inthe calculation of R_(oo) from R_(o) and T. Such error would likely beeliminated if a reflectivity (R_(oo)) curve were first calculated fromthe curves for R_(o) and T (appropriate number of points should be usedto give an accurate R_(oo) curve) before the integration leading to thetristimulus values is performed. But, of course, this is not the meansby which data are likely to be obtained and treated in an on-machinecolor measurement system, at least at present. The results indicatethat, for many papers, the theoretical relationships will give excellentestimates of R_(oo) from R_(o) T acquired for single sheets. Where thediscrepancies are greater than desirable, it is probable that usefulempirical relationships may be established.

The estimation of R_(oo) from measurements of black body backedreflectance and transmittance of single sheets using theoreticalrelationships is subject to less error than are estimates obtained usingtwo reflectances obtained with different backing reflectances, forexample. A further approach to the design of on-machine color measuringinstrumentation involves reflectances determined on single sheets backedby a body having a selected reflectance. Obviously, such reflectanceswill be equal to R_(oo) for any paper only if the effective reflectanceof the backing is also equal to R_(oo) for that paper. Also, the backingwill not ordinarily have the color of the paper. Hence, recourse must bemade to empirical relationships between the measured reflectance valuesand the color of the samples as would be determined directly usingopaque pads. Further, since it is often desirable to employ a spacing ofsome magnitude between the moving web and the backing surface,variations in the spacing which would likely occur in practice would beanother source of discrepancy.

The following experiments were conducted to explore the differences inthe color of paper when backed by a translucent opal glass and anopaque, enameled plaque. The spectral reflectivity curves for bothbackings was determined with the GERS and are given in FIG. 1. It shouldbe noted that these reflectivity curves cannot be use to determine theeffective reflectances of the backings when employed against paper and,particularly for the translucent opal glass would be at different levelsif determined with different geometry. Reflectance data on the paperspecimens were obtained with both GERS-RF and with the AutomaticColor-Brightness Tester (ACBT). The latter employs 45° illumination andnormal viewing. Both instruments were equipped with appropriate filtersso that the tristimulus values could be determined from four reflectancemeasurements (Illuminant C). Six commercial papers were evaluated withthe white body backings at different spacings from the sheet . . .

WEB FACTORS WHICH INFLUENCE THE MEASUREMENT OF OPTICAL PROPERTIES BasisWeight and Sheet Formation Variability

Basis weight variability, of which sheet formation represents a rapidlyvarying form, is a matter of interest in the on-machine measurement ofoptical properties. All optical properties are basis weight dependent insome degree. The dependence may arise because of changes in sheetstructure with basis weight or may be a consequence of the simple changein mass per unit area for constant sheet structure. Thus, whereas thereflectance of a thick pad of paper may prove to be relativelyindependent of basis weight, the reflectance of a single sheet withblack body or other designated backing and transmittance are expected toshow basis weight effects. If the basis weight is known, it is possibleto apply first-approximation corrections for departures in basis weightfrom a target value. However, such corrections would be different fordifferent papers, would need to be developed experimentally and wouldbest be applied to the longer-range basis weight variations.

Rapid changes in basis weight on the scale involved in sheet formationeffects will result in rapidly changing optical properties as the movingsheet is scanned by an instrument in fixed position. The truetime-varying signal might well be averaged by the on-machine instrumentunlike the arithmetic averaging of the same optical property valuesdetermined statically off-machine. Whether the two averages aresignificantly different would depend both on the nature of thetime-varying signal and the time-response characteristics of theon-machine instrument.

Where two optical measurements are made simultaneously at one positionon a moving web, each would be averaged instrumentally. Values of R_(oo)calculated from such averages may differ from an average of R_(oo)values calculated from various pairs of optical values (for example,R_(o) and T). Though such an error would be small for small basis weightvariations, it could be of importance for some papers.

If sets of data are acquired on moving webs by interposing differentfilters in time sequence, for example, the particular values within aset would be obtained on different areas of the web and each couldrelate to a slightly different basis weight. Obviously if such valuesare affected by basis weight, the optical property described by the set(color, for example) would be in error if the basis weight were notconstant. One could in such an instance, resort to the repetitivecollection of sets of values with an averaging of the art results over alonger time period. It would be desirable to avoid the collection ofdata such that any particular value within a set is always obtained atthe same unique web position or time cycle.

Fiber Orientation

Machine-made papers usually have some degree of fiber orientation whichcauses a difference in reflectance if the sheet is illuminated in the"in-machine" or "across-machine" direction. Generally, the reflectanceis lower when the specimen is illuminated in the "in-machine" direction.Fiber orientation is usually less pronounced on the felt side; hence,optical data are usually obtained on that side. Standard brightness ismeasured on the felt side and the "in-machine" direction. On-machinemeasurements can of course, be performed in the same way.

Polarization of light occurs to some extent when a paper surface isilluminated at an angle such as 45° and the extent of polarizationdepends upon the kind of surface and to some degree upon fiberorientation. For this reason, the on-machine instrumentation should havethe same response to polarized light as the off-machine instrument.

Two-Sidedness

Most papers have different spectral reflectivities for the felt and wiresides with the effect being more pronounced for very light basis weightsand for coated papers. This affects the relationship between R_(o), Tand R_(oo) causing an error in the calculation of R_(oo). This effect isnot large if the measurements of R_(o), T, and R_(oo) are all made withthe same side of the sheet facing the light beam on the on-machine aswell as the off-machine instrument.

Moisture Content

In on-machine testing of paper, the moisture content may be at a leveldifferent from that employed in off-machine testing. Also, the intensityof the light incident on the specimen in some off-machine colorimetersis of a sufficiently high level to cause an appreciable change intemperature moisture content of the specimen during the course ofperforming a reflectance measurement.

Reflectance data have been obtained for "white" and dyed paper samplesusing the GERS and the ACBT, as these instruments employ a very lowlevel of illumination thus minimizing departure from establishedlaboratory environmental conditions. The GERS employs 6°-diffusegeometry with the specular component partially included and the ACBTemploys 45°-0° geometry with the specular component excluded. Using bothsystems, one should be able to deduce if the change in reflectance ofthe specimen is due to changes in absorption, scattering, or surfacestructure. Changes in absorption and scattering would influence the datafrom both instruments in about the same way whereas changes in thespecimen surface would influence the data differently. Changes inabsorption could be more pronounced in selected portions of the spectrumwhereas changes in scattering or surface should have a minor dependenceon wavelength.

In the case of the GERS, air at different levels of relative humiditywas passed throught the integrating cavity. Thus, the area of thespecimen measured by the instrument was exposed to the conditions airwhile the measurement was being performed. The same was true for theACBT except that the air was passed through the cylindrical opening inthe instrument directly beneath the specimen opening. . . .

The data show small changes for the "white" papers while the dyed papersand the newsprint show more significant changes. The effects weregenerally greater with the ACBT than with the GERS suggesting thatchanges in surface characteristics with changing relative humidity isprincipally involved. It is interesting to note that the reflectance ofthe red paper increased at 450 nm with increasing moisture content anddecreased at 550 and 500 nm. This effect was noted with both instrumentand is probably attributable to changes in light absorption.

Colorimetric data obtained with the ACBT at the several levels ofrelative humidity are given in Table XIII. The E value represents thecolor difference between the first determination at 5% relative humidityand the subsequent results. Several samples show a E value greater thanone with sample "H" over two.

Sample A (fluorescent) has a reflectance of 85.0% for the GERS at 400 nmand 55.8 for the ACBT. This large difference is related to the erroneousevaluation of the fluorescent component by the GERS.

It appears that reflectance of paper, especially dyed papers, issignificantly affected by changes in moisture content. Indications forthe samples tested are that changes in moisture content resulting fromexposure to levels of relative humidity from 5 to 50% represent areasonable limiting range for good accuracy.

Temperature

The web temperature would be higher for on-machine than off-machinetesting. A study was performed to determine the effects of changingtemperature on the reflectance of paper. The same paper samples(different specimens) evaluated in the moisture study were evaluated atfour different temperatures. The GERS and the ACBT were employed becauseof their low level of illumination. Temperature at the surface of thespecimen in the area exposed to the incident beam was determined with a0.004-inch diameter wire chromel-alumel thermocouple. The junction wasplaced in contact with the paper surface. It is understood thatdifferences in the absorption characteristics of the thermocouple andpaper preclude the assumption that the paper surface and the junctiontemperature are the same when exposed to the incident radiation.However, when the temperature measurements were made, paper sample B wasplaced over the specimen opening in every case so that the relationshipbetween junction and paper temperature should be fairly consistent forthe different instruments. . . .

A reasonable upper limit on temperature, as indicated by these datawould be about 40° C. If on-machine measurements are made at highertemperatures, the potential effects of temperature may need to beconsidered for comparison with off-machine optical data.

Fluorescence

Widespread use of fluorescent dyes has made the matter of fluorescencean important factor in the measurement of optical properties of paper.The fluorescent "whitening" agents used in the paper industry generallyabsorb strongly in the violet and ultraviolet regions of the spectrumand emit light at somewhat longer wavelengths in the violet and in theblue regions of the spectrum. For fluorescent dyes, in general, theregion of absorption may extend from the short wavelengths (ultraviolet)to the region where light is emitted by the dye. Actually, there may besome overlapping of the absorption and emittance regions.

In the case of the fluorescent "whitening" agents, the ultraviolet lightneeded to excite dye is largely absorbed in the surface layers of thesheet. Thus, with fluorescence present, reflectance would be mostinfluenced whereas transmittance would be only minimally affected. Thishas a pronounced effect on the calculation of R_(oo) from R_(o) and T.

Properly designed instrumentation should be employed where fluorescenceis a factor (19).

Web Position

In all optical instruments, the position of the web must be fixed at theappropriate design point. In the calibration of an instrument with paperor other material, a web position will be indicated. The moving webshould, of course, be at the calibration position. This is bestaccomplished by ensuring that the web is in contact with a referencesurface. Through establishing such contact, it is possible to have theoptical instrumentation on one side of the web properly placed withrespect to web position. The other side, however, must be maintained atthe proper spacing. Changes in instrument to web distance can introduceerrors of significant magnitude. Two options are available; theapparatus to web spacing may be fixed, or the spacing may be measuredand corrections of the results made for changes from the desiredspacing. The former method is preferred whenever possible.

Web flutter is obviously undesirable. If web flutter, exists webposition is not known. Similarly, vibration of the optical apparatus mayinfluence the results.

Web Speed

Potential effects due to web speed depend on the nature of the timeconstants of the optical instruments. For a time varying signal, withlinear photometric response of the instrument, and with slow response,an appropriate arithmetic average value might be expected. However, ifthe time varying signal is not symmetrical about the mean value, theinstrument may not indicate the mean correctly whereas the off-machineinstrument could. Thus, the reading could be speed dependent under someconditions of sheet variability and instrument design.

Calendering

All optical properties of paper are affected by calendering of thesheet. Hence, on-line measurements of final paper properties must bemade after calendering. In the usual application of optical apparatusbetween the calender and the reel, the measurements would be obtainedonly a fraction of a second after the sheet leaves the calender. Itseems likely that the sheet would be undergoing compression recoveryduring this period and for some time after calendering with the resultthat changes in the sheet thickness and surface smoothness would occurbetween the time the on-line optical measurements are made and somelater time when off-machine optical measurements are made. The possibleimportance of such effects is not known. The fact that they may occur isrecognized as one of the possible factors leading to lack of agreementbetween on-line and off-machine measured optical properties.

Stray Light

It is usually possible to design optical instrumentation with propershielding from stray light. Obviously, such shielding is required, sinceappreciable error may occur if stray light is permitted to enter themeasurement zone.

Dust and Dirt

All on-machine optical instrumentation should be designed to eliminateor minimize dust or dirt accumulations. Some contamination cannot beavoided and compensation for its effect must be developed throughfrequent calibration of the on-machine apparatus.

Instrument Temperature

The optical as well as electronic components of optical devices aretemperature sensitive. Best design involves control of instrumenttemperature to values above the ambient temperature of the machine roomwith the web in running position. Compensation for temperature is alsopossible, but less desirable.

LITERATURE CITED

.[.The section entitled "Captions for the Figures" and FIGS. 1-7 ofdrawings are omitted.].

Discussion of the Claimed Subject Matter

A basic conception of the present disclosure is crucially concerned withthe art of paper manufacture wherein numerous grades and weights ofpaper are to be manufactured, and wherein access to the paper web formeasurement of paper optical properties during the manufacturing processis restricted to a section between the calendering stack and the reel.The environment at this location has been detailed in the precedingsection. By measuring two essentially independent optical parameters,for example measuring both the reflectance and transmittance withrespect to incident light of the necessary spectral distribution, it ispossible to calculate paper optical properties on the basis of existingtheory with an essential independence of basis weight. The feasibilityand effectiveness of this approach is confirmed in the precedingsection.

Closely related to the foregoing is the conception of utilizing asnearly as practicable the optical response characteristics and geometryof existing instruments used in the paper industry, so as to achieve asclose a correlation as possible with present off-line measurements ofcolor and brightness, for example. Also of substantial significance isthe conception of providing a rugged and compact temperature-stabilizedinstrument capable of reliable and accurate on-machine measurement ofcolor, brightness and opacity.

The reduction to practice of these basic conceptions has includedseveral sponsored projects at the Institute of Paper Chemistry asreflected by the preceding section and has included laboratory testingof a prototype device for accuracy and reliability on a wide range ofpaper samples, with careful comparison being made with correspondingmeasurements using standard laboratory instruments. Details of the lifetesting of the prototype unit over a ten-month period and the adaptionof the device to reliable and stable operation on the paper machine havebeen included herein to document the practical implementation of thepresent invention. Because of the critical need for rapid calculation ofpaper optical properties in an on-machine device, the necessary computerprogramming has been developed and is fully disclosed herein. In spiteof the substantial investments which have been made to secure expertassistance in implementing the conceptions, a period of time of over twoyears has been required to reach the stage of reduction to practicedisclosed herein.

An important aspect of the disclosure relates to the measurement of thebasis weight of the moving paper web concurrently with the simultaneousmeasurement of reflectance and transmittance values for essentially acommon region of the web. Using the calculated value of infinitereflectance R_(oo) (including the grade correction factor) and the valueof transmittance T, for example, for the same sample region, along witha concurrently obtained, average value for basis weight, essentiallyaccurate values of scattering coefficient s and the absorptioncoefficient k are obtained. Such coefficients will exhibit essentialindependence of any variations in the basis weight of the paper sheetmaterial under these circumstances.

The measurement of both a reflectance and a transmittance value for acommon sample region has an advantage over the measurement of tworeflectance parameters under conditions such as found in the papermanufacturing process since the transmittance measurement is relativelyinsensitive to misalignment or tilting of the optical axis 515 of thebacking assembly or lower sensing head 12, FIG. 3, relative to theoptical axis 15 of the sensing head 11. This advantage is especiallyimportant for sheet material of relatively high opacity where tworeflectance parameters would tend to be relatively close in value.

Generally the results of laboratory tests discussed herein are expectedto be applicable to the on-line system. Thus the spread between valuesof R_(oo) FC (See Table 3) obtained by the illustrated on-line systemand the corresponding values of AR_(oo) FC taken as standard should notdiffer by more than about plus or minus two points on a scale of zero toone hundred, prior to any grade correction, for a wide range of papersheet materials of different color and basis weight.

The samples for which such accuracy was obtained in the laboratoryincluded a range of basis weights of from 60 grams per square meter to178 grams per square meter for white paper. Without the use of acorrection factor, calculated R_(oo) values which fell within two pointsof the measured value included samples of paper colored white (severaltints), green, blue, canary, russett, ivory, gray and buff. Colorsincluding pink, gold, salmon, and cherry required a significantcorrection factor for the X_(R), Y_(C), and Y_(A) functions. All of thecalculated R_(oo) values involving the X_(B) and Z functions fell within0.77 units of the measured value on a scale of zero to 100, againwithout the use of any correction factor and regardless of color orbasis weight.

DISCUSSION OF THE CLAIMED SUBJECT MATTER

The term quantitative measure of paper optical properties as used in theclaims refers to output quantities of a numerical nature such assupplied by the on-line digital computer system 996, FIG. 6, programmedas explained herein with reference to FIGS. 7-20. Examples of suchquantities are those indicated in block 990, FIG. 20; these quantitiesare identified with the corresponding conventional paper opticalproperties in Table 21.

The term on-machine optical monitoring device is intended genericallyand refers to the device 10, FIGS. 1 and 2, and other comparable devicesfor sensing two essentially independent optical response parameters suchthat a paper optical property is characterized prior to use of anycorrection factors with substantially improved accuracy in comparison toany characterization (prior to correction factors) of such paper opticalproperty from either of such optical response parameters taken byitself. Such a monitoring device may be used as an aid to manual controlof the paper making process or may be used as part of a closed loopautomatic control system. Thus "monitoring" does not exclude activecontrol in response to the output signals from the monitoring device.

Within the scope of the present subject matter, one or more of thefollowing paper optical properties may be sensed; brightness, color,fluorescence, and/or opacity. Control of brightness and fluorescenceoffers a very substantial potential for cost reduction in the productionof a significant range of paper types. Color control, on the other hand,may have important consequences regarding flexibility of manufacture,product uniformity, and grade change flexibility.

The value of on-line opacity control has already been demonstrated to alarge degree in a prior closed loop analog opacity controller. In thisinstallation, the average opacity across the web is controlled almostexactly at any given desired value. In previous manually controlledoperations, the PKT (Pigmentary Potassium Titamate, K₂ O--6T_(i) O₂ bydu Pont) flow was set to some value chosen by the beater engineer andusually held to such value for the duration of the run of a given gradeand weight. In the meantime, the paper opacity varied up and down,depending on process conditions at the time. Since the installation ofthe analog opacity controller, the opacity set point is adjusted ratherthan the PKT flow, thus holding opacity constant at the desired level.Instead of opacity, the PKT flow now varies up and down to compensatefor other presently unavoidable process upsets resulting from variationsin broke richness, PKT solids, dye usage, save-all efficiency, and othermachine retention conditions. For a complete discussion of theinstallation of the analog opacity controller, reference is made to F.P. Lodzinski article "Experience With a Transmittance-Type On-LineOpacimeter for Monitoring and Controlling Opacity", Tappi, The Journalof The Technical Association of The Pulp and Paper Industry, Vol. 56,No. 2, February, 1973. This article of February, 1973 is incorporatedherein by reference.

Existing on-line color meters have two serious disadvantages as follows:

1. Each measures a reflectance value (R_(g)) which is decidely differentfrom that necessary for actual color and brightness characterizations.Off-line instruments, which adequately measure these properties, requirethat a pad of several thicknesses (R_(oo)) of the same paper be exposedto the light source aperture. Obviously, this is impossible with anon-line instrument, unless the far more inaccessible reel itself istested. The use of R_(g) instead of R_(oo) requires very frequentoff-line testing, and constant updating of an empirical calibrationprocedure to maintain adequate accuracy. A separate set of calibrationparameters for each grade and weight is also required. Only in instancesof extremely high opacity such as heavily coated, or heavily dyed colorswhere R_(g) approaches R_(oo), can the above problems be minimized tothe point where accuracy becomes sufficient for control purposes.

2. Existing color instruments are not equipped to measure transmittedlight which is much more sensitive to differences and, so far, the onlycommercially proven method for the continuous monitoring of opacity.

To assist in indicating the scope of the present disclosure, thesubstance of excerpts from an early conception record with respect tothe present subject matter are set forth in the following paragraphs,headed "Proposal" and "Proposed Instrument Design" having reference tothe defects of existing on-line color meters just discussed:

Proposal:

An instrument built to the general specifications disclosed in thefollowing section headed "Proposed Instrument Design" avoids the abovedescribed defects and, at the same time, provides for a concise, butextremely versatile, nearly total optical property monitor andcontroller. Highly trained specialists in all fields required here,including paper optics, color theory, photometry, computers, and others,if needed are available. As an example, exact specifications for thefilters, photocells, and light sources are essentially ready formanufacture now. Such specialists are also aware of factors important tooptical characterization frequently ignored by commercial producers ofoptical instruments.

Proposed Instruments Design:

An instrument made up of two scanning sensing heads, one above and onebelow the moving paper web, and a dedicated computer with appropriatecouplers for input and output, is envisioned. The bottom head wouldreceive light transmitted through the sheet and subsequently analyzedfor its X, Y, and Z tristimulus components. It would also contain abacking of some specified effective reflectance (possibly a black bodyof zero, or near zero, reflectance) located just ahead or behind(machine direction) of the transmitted light receptor compartment(s).

The upper head could contain the light source, as well as a reflectedlight receptor. The latter occurs after reflection from the moving webat a point just above the backing, on the bottom head and would also beanalyzed for its X, Y, and Z tristimulus components. Both lightreceivers and, for that matter, the light source itself could beintegrating cavities of a type. This would be one way to insure theuniform distribution of emitted, transmitted, and reflected light in theX-direction in addition to providing identical samples of light going toeach photoelectric cell installed with filters within the cavitiesthemselves. Thermostatically controlled heaters or coolers would likelybe desirable for temperature control. The flux of the light source couldbe monitored or controlled by a third partial, or full, set offilter-photocell combinations. The availability of both the transmitted(T) and reflected (R_(g)) light signals described above allows forprecise computation of the reflectance with an infinite backing(R_(oo)). It is the latter, R_(oo) value, which is required tocharacterize color, brightness, and an index of fluorescence. Inaddition, it would eliminate the need for any grade corrections inmeasuring either printing or TAPPI opacity, both of which could be madeavailable if desired.

A small, rather low cost, dedicated computer with appropriate interfaceequipment, could be used to receive all signals, compute all pertinentoptical properties, and determine the signal for direct, closed loopcontrol of:

a. 2-5 separate conventional dye additions;

b. fluroescent dye feed to the size press; and

c. PKT, TiO₂, or other slurry flow;

so that brightness, opacity, color (L, a,b) and fluorescence could bemaintained almost exactly as chosen by, perhaps even a master computer,if desired.

Kubelka-Munk equations, quantitative color descriptions, and theirinter-relationships, recently acquired wet end mathematical models,along with existing control theory, are all presently available in someform or other to convert the input signals from the scanning heads tooptical measurements and flow feeds with which paper manufacturers arefamiliar. The combined mathematical technology above is also sufficientfor adequate decoupling of this otherwise complicated information sothat overlapped control is avoided.

Use of a dedicated computer would eliminate most of the electronics nowassociatd with optical measuring equipment. It could also be used tointegrate results across the web and simplify and/or maintaincalibration. The package would lend itself to rather universalapplication and minimize the time and effort on the part of thepurchaser.

The key feature of this proposed instrument, which distinguishes it fromexisting on-line optical testers, is that it calls for the measurementof both transmitted and reflected light without undue complications.This, in turn, can cause a great deal of improvements regardingsensitivity, accuracy, flexibility, and thoroughness of a continuousoptical property measuring device.

The following Table will serve to identify the computer symbols used inFIGS. 17-20 with the corresponding conventional symbols and terminologyused in the text.

                  TABLE 2                                                         ______________________________________                                        Identification of Computer Symbols Used in                                    FIGS. 17-20                                                                   Computer    Conventional Conventional Term                                    Symbol      Symbol       for Symbol                                           ______________________________________                                        SGCF        GC(Table 3)  specific grade                                                                correction factor                                    RG          RD(Table 3)  Nominal reflectance                                                           of the diffuser                                                               window 135                                           TD          T.sub.d      Nominal transmit-                                                             tance of the diffuser                                                         window 135                                           RZERO       R.sub.0 (Table 3)                                                                          reflectance with                                     (RZTABL)                 black body backing                                                            for each filter wheel                                                         position I equals                                                             zero through five.                                   T           T(Table 3)   Transmittance with                                   (TTABL)                  black body backing                                                            for each filter wheel                                                         position I equals                                                             zero through five.                                   RINF        R.sub.∞ (Table 3)                                                                    infinite backing                                     (RITABL)                 reflectance for                                                               filter wheel                                                                  positions I equals                                                            zero to five.                                        S           S            scatter coefficient                                  (STABL)                  for each filter                                                               wheel position                                                                I equals zero                                                                 through five.                                        K           K            absorption                                           (KTABL)                  coefficient for                                                               each filter wheel                                                             position I equals                                                             zero through                                                                  five.                                                ZFLUOR      --           fluorescent                                                                   contribution to                                                               tristimulus Z                                                                 reflectance                                          ZRINF       --           tristimulus Z                                                                 infinite backing                                                              reflectance with                                                              fluorescence                                         XBRINF      --           tristimulus X.sub.B                                                           infinite backing                                                              reflectance with                                                              fluorescence                                         BRRINF      --           TAPPI brightness                                                              (see Table I in                                                               the first section                                                             of this Topic for                                                             spectral distribu-                                                            tion of the first                                                             filter wheel                                                                  position)                                            POPAC       R.sub.o /R.sub.oo                                                                          printing opacity                                     YAR89       R.sub..89    tristimulus Y                                                                 reflectance with                                                              .89 backing                                          TOPAC       R.sub.o /R.sub.o.89                                                                        TAPPI opacity                                        XTRI        X            C.I.E. tristimulus                                                            coordinate X                                         YTRI        Y            C.I.E. tristimulus                                                            coordinate Y                                         ZTRI        Z            C.I.E. tristimulus                                                            coordinate Z                                         LH          L            Hunter coordinate                                                             L                                                    AH, BH      a,b          Hunter coordinates                                                            a,b.                                                 ______________________________________                                    

Scope of the Early Conception of This Invention

Given the foregoing conception, it is considered that many modificationsand variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The basicconception claimed herein is the sensing of two essentially independentoptical response parameters of a single thickness relatively homogeneoussheet material such that any other desired parameter or paper opticalproperty can be accurately calculated.

For the case of opacity measurement, for example, the present inventionis particularly applicable to an optical system wherein system spectralresponse essentially simulates the C.I.E. tristimulus Y filter witheither illuminant A or C and to near-white papers as explained in theLodzinski Article of February, 1973 incorporated herein by reference.

DISCUSSION OF FURTHER OR ANTICIPATED MODIFICATIONS AND FURTHERINFORMATION RELATIVE TO THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Changes Made to theOn-machine System of FIGS. 1-6

1. Light source lamp terminals were connected to test tip jacks so thatlamp voltage (at the lamp) can now be quickly measured without openingthe case.

2. An easily removable doorway was cut from the top of the upper headcase so that the photocell and amplifier gain circuits are much moreaccessible now. The photocell can now be easily removed and its 3/16"diameter aperture viewed directly from above without removing the case.This permits a quick check to see whether the two heads are properlyaligned. The diffuser 276, FIG. 3, in the photocell aperture will beuniformly lighted when alignment is correct. Non-uniform illumination ofthis diffuser is quite apparent when the heads are improperly aligned.

3. A temperature sensitive resistor is located in the upper headadjacent to the photocell. Conductors are connected to lugs on the powersupply panel so that such resistance measurements are easy to acquire.An empirically prepared chart is used to convert the resistance totemperature. Thus, an upper head temperature can be monitored from theremote power supply panel. (This temperature measuring device has beenon the OMOD since it was first constructed.)

4. The upper head weighs 20 lbs. and the lower head 93/4 lbs. The weightof the mounting brackets are 7 and 5 lbs., respectively. (The compactsize and light weight of these heads is an important advantage when itcomes to providing means of installing and traversing across the web).

5. The reason we choose the 45°-0° geometry is because this geometry isused in the standard TAPPI brightness measurement. There is no standardTAPPI color test geometry at this time. It is considered that the 45°-0°geometry with the light plane in the machine direction is the propergeometry for color measurement as well. The reason for this is that mostof our paper products where brightness and color are important areeventually used for written communications purposes. Consequently, theyare viewed on a table top or desk with the human eye and light sourceapproximating the 45°-0° geometry as employed in the OMOD. Moreover, thegrain direction of the paper (grain long 81/2×11 letterhead for example)is such that this directional effect is also simulated by the OMOD.Diffuse viewing is impossible by the human eye and diffuse illuminationis quite unlikely in most offices or places of paper use.

Anticipated Computer Program Changes

1. We plan to test each individual reading of transmittance andreflectance (T and R) and compare it to the previously smoothed values.The latest individual readings will not be used to update the smoothedaverage whenever a difference between the two is greater than X%. Thevalue of X will remain flexible, but likely in the neighborhood of5-10%. This subprogram will reject and flag bad data since the paperoptical properties could hardly change faster than this betweenreadings. An exception is the very beginning of a run; however, theheads are not put on sheet until the operation has settled down somewhatanyway. Only the startup of a run will need to be manual or feed forwardas far as color, brightness, and opacity control is concerned.

2. Initialization of the smoothing algorithm of R and T will be made tooccur only when a grade change occurs; i.e., whenever a new set ofspecific grade correction factors are entered into the computer memory.There should not be any need for re-initialization for any other reason.Even basis weight changes occur gradually enough to permit the use ofthe previously stored smoothed averages without serious difficulty. Wemay, however, consider the use of an operator command to re-initializesuch algorithms if found desirable.

3. For the No. 6 paper machine (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), the OMOD headswill be pushed completely off the web on the front side to allow thebasis weight gauge (mounted side of the OMOD) to measure right up to thefront edge. The program will, therefore, need to be modified to rejectdata acquired whenever this occurs. Since the head position will beknown, from the basic weight profile monitoring system, such data can beleft unused whenever the position "Y" or greater is reached.

It turns out that this particular situation provides a convenient meansof servicing the OMOD. The traversing mechanism can be stopped when theOMOD heads are pushed beyond the web edge where they are quiteaccessible for examination, checking of standardization, etc.

CURRENT PROGRAM LISTING GE-PAC 4020 Program Listing Characteristics

The following program listings are considered to be in conformity withthe flow charts of FIGS. 8-20. The listing is provided by the GeneralElectric PAC 4020 process control computer, and the following generaldiscussion explains the GE-PAC 4020 program listing characteristics.

I. The first page contains the following unique information:

A. Line 1--control statement, with time of day and activity.

B. Lines 2 and 3 contain program identification numbers.

II. The remaining information is broken into three parts as follows:

A. The three left-most columns of numbers consist of assembler-generatedmachine coding:

1. The first column of numbers consists of the octal location, relativeto the beginning of the program.

2. The second column of numbers consists of the contents of the octallocation in absolute form--the first two numbers signify the operationcode; the third number signifies the index register, if any; and theremaining five numbers signify the absolute operand of the instruction.

3. The third column of numbers consists of the contents of the octallocation in relative form--it is identical to (2), except the fiveright-most numbers signify the relative operand from the location of theinstruction.

B. The next eighty columns correspond to the symbolic instructions fromwhich the assembler generated the machine coding.

1. Statements beginning with an asterick or "C" are comments only, withrespectively a 6 or 7 in column seventy.

2. Other statements are divided as follows: label, if any; symbolicoperation code; symbolic operand, if any; index register preceded by acomma, if any; comment, if any; and 6, 7 or 1 in column seventy.

3. The 6 in column seventy indicates a programmer-defined assemblylanguage statement. The 7 in column seventy indicates aprogrammer-defined Fortran language statement. The 1 in column seventyindicates an assembler-defined assembly language statement, such assymbolic coding generated from a programmer-defined Fortran statement.

C. The right-most column contains the line sequence number of theprintout.

Program Listing For Program Fourteen (FIGS. 8-16)

The following listing is presented to illustrate the extent of theprogramming effort to implement the flow charts of FIGS. 8-16. It willbe observed that the implementation of these flow charts together withthe changes previously indicated herein and any necessary debugging iswithin the routine skill of the art. ##SPC1## ##SPC2##

Program Listing For Program Forty-Two (FIGS. 17-20)

The following listing is presented to illustrate the extent of theprogramming effort to implement the flow charts of FIGS. 17-20. It willbe observed that the implementation of these flow charts together withthe changes previously indicated herein and any necessary debugging iswithin the routine skill of the art. ##SPC3## ##SPC4## ##SPC5##

PROPOSED OPTICAL CONTROL STRATEGY

While the on-line automatic control of paper optical properties is anultimate objective of the work reported herein, the claimed subjectmatter relates to on-machine monitoring of paper optical propertieswhether used as an aid to conventional manual control or for otherpurposes. Nevertheless, in order to provide a disclosure of the bestmode presently contemplated for automatic control as a separate butrelated area of endeavor, the following discussion is presented.

The optical properties of a sheet of paper are dependent upon all of thematerials of which it is made but primarily upon the furnished pulp,fillers, pigments, dyes, and some additives. If is often very difficultto maintain the optical attributes of the pulp, fillers and additivesconstant within a given production run. Such variation is even greaterbetween runs. The optical properties of the finished paper may, however,be reasonably controlled to specified standards by varying the additionsof dyes and fillers and pigments until the desired compensations areachieved. The problem is that each furnished ingredient affects each ofthe resulting paper optical properties in a rather complicated manner.Indeed the intuition of experienced papermakers has essentially been thesole method of optical property control. Unfortunately, this approach isinefficient, resulting in consideable off-standard paper and/or waste ofcostly materials. Accordingly, a dire need exists within the paperindustry for a highly reliable and continuous optical property monitorcoupled with a closed loop computer control system.

The value of such closed loop control, based on a feedback colordetector, has already been demonstrated for the continuous addition oftwo and sometimes three dyes. (1) (2) Target dye concentrations changesof up to three dyes can be determined by solving three simultaneousequations containing three unknowns. (1) One disadvantage of suchcontrol is that accurate color monitoring is not presently availableunless large and frequent empirically determined correction factors areapplied to the original output results. A second disadvantage ariseswhen opacity and the fluorescence must also be simultaneouslycontrolled. In this case the number of independently controlledcontinuous additions increases from three to five. An optical brightenerand an opacifying pigment constitute the two additional factors.

An object of this invention is to demonstrate a method by whichfluorescence can be continuously monitored. A means by which the opticalbrightener addition can be separately and independently controlled isinherently implied. The paper color is also analyzed without thefluorescent contribution. It is, of course, this latter characterization(without fluorescence) which should be, but which has not in the pastbeen, used to determine the required addition of the conventional dyes.In other words, the effect of the optical brightener is decoupled fromthe three conventional dyes making possible the simultaneous control ofall four dyes.

Another portion of this invention demonstrates a means of continuouslydetermining the scattering coefficient of the moving web for each of thesix available light spectrums. It is possible to determine thescattering coefficient required to achieve a given opacity specificationwhenever the basis weight and absorption coefficient are known. When thelatter are set equal to a given set of product specifications, then thecalculated scattering coefficient becomes the target scatteringcoefficient. (The absorption coefficient can be acquired by off-linetesting of a sample of the standard color to be matched. In reality,this becomes a target absorption coefficient as well.) The dyes havelittle, if any, effect on the scattering coefficient but the effect ofthe slurry pigment is very large. Thus the target scattering coefficientis used as the sole feedback variable to control the slurry pigmentfeed. This will insure that the opacity is at or near the specificationas long, as the absorption coefficient and basis weight are also ontarget. The absorption coefficient should, of course, be on target byvirtue of the independent color control. A completely independent systemcontrols the basis weight.

A method by which the decoupling of three conventional dyes, one opticalbrightener and one opacifying pigment has hereby been explained.Heretofore, such decoupling as revealed in the prior art has beenlimited to three absorptive dyes and thereby neglecting the need to alsoachieve a specified degree of fluorescence and opacity.

References DISCUSSION OF THE CLAIM TERMINOLOGY AND SCOPE

The present invention is for the purpose of obtaining a quantitativemeasure of an optical property such as brightness, color, opacity orfluorescence of single thickness sheet material.

The sheet material is substantially homogeneous in its thicknessdimension such that the optical property of interest can be reliablycalculated from reflectance and transmittance measurements on the basisof existing theory. Thus the present invention is not applicable to thesensing of localized surface effects (such as due to surface migrationof light absorbing powder particles, for example). To the contrary thepresent invention is concerned with the average or bulk opticalcharacteristics of the sheet material considered as a whole, andespecially is concerned with the characteristics of paper sheet materialas it is delivered from a paper machine after completion of the papermanufacturing process.

The present invention in its broader aspect does not require strictlyhomogeneous material since empirical correction factors can be appliedfor cases where theory is less effective. For example, the paper opticalproperties of calendered and coated papers may be effectively measuredby the system of the present invention using grade correction factors tocorrelate on-machine results with the measurements obtained by standardoff-line instruments.

The optical system of the monitoring device includes components such asthose shown in FIG. 3 which define or optically affect the incident,reflected and transmitted light paths such as indicated at 133, 137 and141-143 in FIG. 3. For the case of a filter wheel as indicated in FIG.4, each filter wheel position may be considered to define a separatelight energy path with its own predetermined spectral responsecharacteristics.

In each filter wheel position, there are two distinct light energy pathsfor measuring a reflectance value and a transmittance value,respectively. In the illustrated embodiment each such light energy pathincludes a common incident light path 133, but the paths diverge, onecoinciding with the reflectance sensing light path 137 and the otherincluding the transmittance sensing light path. The photometric sensors203 and 260 thus provide simultaneous reflectance and transmittanceoutput signals with respect to essentially a common region of the web.The reflectance sensing light path collects light from a circular regionwith a diameter of about 3/16 inch, and the transmittance sensing lightpath collects light from a total elliptical region which includessubstantially the same circular region as mentioned above. Because ofsheet formation effects and other localized variations in webcharacteristics it is considered valuable that the reflectance andtransmittance output signals are based on readings from essentially acommon region of the web.

By taking at least one reading in each traverse of the web, and takingsuch readings at different points along the width in successivetraverses, it is considered that accuracies equal to or superior tothose of an off-line sampling of a finished reel can be achieved, whileat the same time the readings are available immediately instead of aftercompletion of a manufacturing run.

By way of example, in the illustrated system a traversal of the web bythe sensing head takes about forty-five seconds, so that the sensinghead operates at a rate of at least one traversal of the width of theweb per minute in the time intervals between the hourly off-sheetstandardizing operations.

In accordance with the teachings of an improvement to the presentinvention, the optical window 135 is itself selected as to its opticalcharacteristics so as to provide the basis for off-sheetstandardization. To this end it is advantageous that the optical windowexhibit an absolute reflectance value as measured by the standardautomatic color-brightness tester of at least about thirty-five percent(35%). The corresponding absolute transmittance value as measured on theG.E. Recording Spectrophotometer with conventional optics is aboutfifty-six percent (56%). With the illustrated embodiment, once thesystem is properly adjusted with respect to the zero reflectancereadings (as by the use of a black sheet of known minimal reflectance)the system maintains such zero adjustment quite stably; accordingly thehigher the reflectance value of the optical window, the more effectiveis the reflectance standardization by means of the optical window. Onthe other hand a transmittance value which is of a reasonable magnitudeis also desirable, so that the provision of an optical window withsubstantial values of absolute reflectance and transmittance isadvantageous.

With the illustrated embodiment, the transmittance readings for themoving web are relatively more nearly independent of misalignment of theupper and lower sensing heads than the reflectance readings. Further itis considered that tilting of the lower sensing head relative to theoptical axis of the upper sensing head has less effect on transmittancereadings than on reflectance readings. Thus it is considered that itwould be advantageous to have an optical window such as 135 with anabsolute reflectance value of seventy percent (70%) or more. A value ofreflectance as high as ninety percent (90%) would not be unreasonableand would generally still permit a transmittance value of a subtantialmagnitude to give reasonably comparable accuracy of reflectance andtransmittance readings for on-line operation as herein described.

While separate photometric sensing means for the reflectance andtransmittance readings have been shown, it is possible with the use offiber optics, for example, to use a common photometric sensor andalternately supply light energy from the reflectance and transmittancelight paths thereto, providing the response time of the sensor enablesreflectance and transmittance readings to be obtained for essentiallythe same region of the moving web. Generally the possibility of suchtime multiplexing of reflectance and transmittance readings will dependon the speed of movement of the web and the degree of uniformity ofsheet formation and the like.

It is very desirable that the system of the present invention beapplicable to sheet materials having a wide range of characteristicssuch as basis weight and sheet formation, and operable at high speeds ofmovement such as 100 to 3000 feet per minute. Further, for maximumaccuracy, it is necessary that a region of the sheet material beingsampled have substantially uniform opacity. Accordingly, especially forsheet material of relatively low basis weight and relatively poor sheetformation, greater accuracy can be expected when the response of thephotometric sensor is relatively fast, and when reflectance andtransmittance readings are taken simultaneously and are a measure of thecharacteristics of a common sampling region of minimum area (consistentwith adequate signal to noise ratios). Thus multiplexing of reflectanceand transmittance readings is not preferred for the case of high speedpaper machinery and comparable environments, nor is it desirable to usereflectance and transmittance light paths which intersect the web atspacially offset regions.

With respect to speed of response of the photometric sensing meanssubstantial improvements over the previously described components aredeemed presently available. If the spectral response and other necessarycharacteristics are suitable, a sensor with such a higher speed ofresponse is preferred for the illustrated embodiment. Good experiencehas been had with a silicon photocell presently considered as having anappropriate spectral response characteristics for color and othermeasurements in accordance with the present invention. The specificsilicon cell referred to is identified as a Schottky Planar DiffuseSilicon Pin 10 DP photodiode of a standard series supplied by UnitedDetector Technology Incorporated, Santa Monica, Ca.

In place of a rotatable filter wheel arrangement as shown in FIGS. 3 and4, a set of twelve fiber optic light paths may define six simultaneouslyoperative reflectance light paths in upper sensing head 11 and sixsimultaneously operative transmittance light paths in lower sensing head12. The six reflectance fiber optic paths would include respectivefilters corresponding to filters 281-286 and respective individualphotocells and would be located to receive respective portions of thereflected light which is reflected generally along path 137 in FIG. 3.The six transmittance fiber optic paths would also include respectivefilters corresponding to filters 281-286 and respective individualphotocells, and would be located to receive respective portions of thetransmitted light which is transmitted generally along paths such as141-143 in FIG. 3. The filter means in the incident light path such asindicated at 133 in FIG. 3 might include a filter in series with filters271 and 272 for filtering out the ultraviolet component from theincident beam, so that the twelve simultaneous photocell readingscorresponding to those designated RSD1 through RSD6, and TSD1 throughTSD6 (when the device is off-sheet), and corresponding to thosedesignated RSP1 through RSP6, and TSP1 through TSP6 (when the device ison-sheet) will exclude a fluorescent contribution. (See Table 3 wherethis notation is introduced.)

If a reflectance reading corresponding to RSD7 (when the device isoff-sheet) and corresponding to RSP7 (when the device is on-sheet) isdesired so as to enable computation of fluorescent contribution tobrightness, it would be necessary to mechanically remove the ultravioletfilter from the incident light path, or otherwise introduce anultraviolet component of proper magnitude, and obtain another brightness(Z) reading, for example from the number four reflectance photocell.

As an alternative to the above fiber optic system with a common incidentlight path, seven fiber optical tubes incorporating filterscorresponding to 281-287 of FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively, at say thelight exit points of the tubes, could be used to supply the incidentlight to seven different points on the paper web. The reflected lightfrom each of these seven points could be monitored by seven differentsystems, each involving lenses and a photocell, and the number sevenreflected light path including also a filter corresponding to filter288, FIG. 4. The transmitted light from the first six points would alsoneed to be kept separately, and this could be accomplished by sixintegrating cavities and six photocells.

As a further alternative the seven fiber optical tubes defining theseven incident light paths could have a second set of seven fiberoptical tubes and photocells respectively disposed to receive reflectedlight from the respective illuminated points. Another set of six fiberoptical tubes and photocells could be associated with the first sixilluminated points for receiving transmitted light. This could eliminatethe need for the light collecting lenses in the upper sensing head andthe integrating cavities in the lower sensing head.

The last two mentioned alternatives with seven fiber optical tubesdefining the incident light paths appear to be rather complicatedsystems, but they do offer means of eliminating both the mechanicalfilter wheel as well as any mechanical device to control the presence ofultraviolet light in the incident beam.

Still another alternative is to use "screens" in addition to the filtersin the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5. The new photodiodes are consideredsensitive enough to measure reduced light intensites so that screenswith different transmittance values could be used with six of theincident beam filters so that the net photocell output for eachreflectance light path, and for each transmittance light path, would besimilar enough so that separate and individual pre-amplification for therespective reflectance outputs would not be necessary, and so thatseparate and individual pre-amplification for each transmittance outputwould not be necessary. This means that reed switches 341-347 and351-357, and relays K₁ through K₇ in FIG. 6 could be eliminated, andthat the feedback paths for amplifiers 361 and 429 could have the sameresistance value in each filter wheel position. A means of sensingfilter wheel position would still be necessary, but this could be donein a number of simple ways, one of which would be a single reed switchsuch as reed switch 358 shown in FIG. 6. The number of necessaryconductors in the cables 51 and 52, FIG. 5, would, of course, be reducedin this modification.

The term "screen" is understood in the art as referring to a network ofcompletely opaque regions and intervening openings or completelytranslucent regions, such that light energy is uniformly attenuated overthe entire spectrum by an amount dependent on the proportion of opaqueto transmitting area.

The device of FIGS. 1 and 2 has been tested on a machine operating atabout 1000 feet per minute, and no problems have appeared in maintainingthe necessary uniform and stable contact geometry between the head andthe moving web.

It will be apparent that many further modifications and variations maybe effected without departing from the scope of the novel concepts ofthe present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGS. 21 AND 22

An instrument 1010 is shown in FIG. 21 made up of two scanning sensingheads 1011 and 1012, one above and one below the moving paper web 14,and a dedicated computer with appropriate couplers for input and outputforms part of digital computer system 1996, FIG. 22. The bottom head1012 receives light transmitted through the sheet and subsequentlyanalyzed for its X, Y, and Z tristimulus components. It also contains abacking 1135 of some specified effective reflectance (for example ablack body of zero, or near zero, reflectance) located just ahead orbehind (machine direction) relative to entrance 1154 of the transmittedlight receptor compartment indicated at 1145-T, FIG. 22.

The upper head 1011 contains light source means 1201 as well as areflected light receptor indicated at 1145-R, FIG. 22. The latterreceives light energy after reflection from the moving web at a pointjust above the backing 1135, on the bottom head 1012 and the reflectedlight energy would also be analyzed for its X, Y, and Z tristimuluscomponents. Both light receivers 1145-R and 1145-T and, for that matter,the light source means 1201 itself may be integrating cavities of atype. This would be one way to insure the uniform distribution ofemitted, transmitted, and reflected light in the X-direction in additionto providing identical samples of light going to each photoelectric cellinstalled with filters within the cavities themselves, this arrangementbeing represented in FIG. 22. The flux of the light source means 1201could be monitored or controlled by a third partial, or full, set offilter-photocell combinations. The availability of both the transmitted(T) and reflected (R_(g)) light signals described above and as indicatedin FIGS. 21 and 22 allows for precise computation of the reflectancewith an infinite backing (R_(oo)). It is the latter, R_(oo) value, whichis required to characterize color, brightness, and an index offluorescence. In addition, it would eliminate the need for any gradecorrections in measuring either printing or TAPPI opacity, both of whichcould be made available if desired.

A small, rather low-cost, dedicated computer such as that forming partof system 1996 with appropriate interface equipment such as indicated at1997 could be used to receive all signals, compute all pertinent opticalproperties, and determine the signal for direct, closed loop control of:

a. 2-5 separate conventional dye additions;

b. fluorescent dye feed to the size press; and

c. PKT, TiO₂, or other slurry flow;

so that brightness, opacity, color (L, a,b) and fluorescene could bemaintained almost exactly as chosen by, perhaps even a master computer,if desired.

Kubelka-Munk equations, quantitative color descriptions, and theirinter-relationships, recently acquired wet end mathematical models,along with existing control theory, are all presently available in someform or other to convert the input signals from the scanning heads 1011and 1012 to optical measurements and flow feeds with which papermanufacturers are familiar. The combined mathematical technology aboveis also sufficient for adequate decoupling of this otherwise complicatedinformation so that overlapped control is avoided.

Use of a dedicated computer would eliminate most of the electronics nowassociated with optical measuring equipment. It could also be used tointegrate results across the web and simplify and/or maintaincalibration. The package would lend itself to rather universalapplication and minimize the time and effort on the part of thepurchaser.

The key feature of the instrument 1010 which distinguishes it fromexisting on-line optical testers, is that it provides for themeasurement of both transmitted and reflected light without unduecomplications. This, in turn, can cause a great deal of improvementsregarding sensitivity, accuracy, flexibility, and thoroughness of acontinuous optical property measuring device.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGS. 23 and 24

FIGS. 23 and 24 show further means by which the incorporated patentapplications can be employed without the use of a mechanically operatedfilter wheel.

In FIG. 23, an ultra violet light absorbing filter is located at 2271,and the U.V. filtered incident light beam 2133 is directed to impingeupon the moving web 14.

Transmitted light is collected within the integrating cavity 2145-Tbelow the web, just as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6. The resultingintensity and color of this light is analyzed in a manner comparable tosuch embodiment by employing, for example, six separate ports containingsix different filter-photocell combinations including filters such as2281-T, 2282-T and 2283-T (and as shown in FIG. 22) representingBrightness, X_(R), X_(B), Z, Y_(C), and Y_(A), respectively. The outputof each photocell could be read continuously or intermittently by meansof a computer equipped with appropriate interface electronics as in theprevious embodiments.

The reflected light component is directed through an appropriate lenssystem 2273 into a second integrating cavity 2145-R located above themoving web. Its intensity and color is, likewise, analyzed by the use ofsix filter-photocell combinations including filters such as 2281-R,2282-R and 2283-R (and as shown in FIG. 22) and connected eventually tothe same computer.

FIG. 24 is similar to FIG. 23 except that fiber optics (light conveyingtubes) are utilized in place of the integrating cavities. Arepresentative portion of the transmitted light is directed into each ofsix such tubes (five of the tubes being indicated at 3001-3005 in FIG.24) which are ended by means of specific spectral response filters (Br,X_(R), X_(B), Z, Y_(C), Y_(A),) and corresponding photocells, five ofthe filter-photocell combinations being indicated at 3011-3015. The sameis done for the reflected light by means of filter-photocellcombinations five being indicated at 3021-3025. All twelve outputs ofthis example are again read either continuously or intermittently by acomputer.

The fluorescent component of light resulting from the use of "opticalbrightners" is not included in any of the above measurements. It can bemeasured, of course, by mechanically removing the U.V. incident beamfilter and synchronizing such change with a status change to thecomputer. A short time later the U.V. filter is reinstated back intoposition. A rotating U.V. filter-chopper could be employed at 3271providing proper synchronization of the computer data storage is alsoaccomplished.

The set of twelve fiber optic light paths as shown in FIG. 24 may definesix simultaneously operative reflectance light paths in upper sensinghead 3011 and six simultaneously operative transmittance light paths inlower sensing head 3012. The six reflectance fiber optic paths includerespective filters corresponding to filters 281-286 and respectiveindividual photocells located to receive respective portions of thereflected light which is reflected generally along a path such as thatindicated at 137 in FIG. 3. The six transmittance fiber optic pathswould also include respective filters corresponding to filters 281-286and respective individual photocells located to receive respectiveportions of the transmitted light which is transmitted generally alongpaths corresponding to paths 141-143 in FIG. 3. The filter means in theincident light path includes a filter 3271 similar to filters 271 and272 for filtering out the ultraviolet component from the incident beam,so that the twelve simultaneous photocell readings corresponding tothose designated RSD1 through RSD6, and TSD1 through TSD6 (when thedevice is off-sheet), and corresponding to those designated RSP1 throughRSP6, and TSP1 through TSP6 (when the device is on-sheet) will exclude afluorescent contribution. (See Table 3 where this notation isintroduced.).

If a reflectance reading corresponding to RSD7 (when the device isoff-sheet) and corresponding to RSP7 (when the device is on-sheet) isdesired so as to enable computation of fluorescent contribution tobrightness, it is necessary to mechanically remove the ultravioletfilter 3271 from the incident light path, or otherwise introduce anultraviolet component of proper magnitude, and obtain another brightness(Z) reading, for example from the number four reflectance photocell.

As an alternative to the above filter optic system with a commonincident light path as shown in FIG. 24, seven fiber optical tubesincorporating filters corresponding to 281-287 of FIGS. 3 and 4,respectively, at say the light exit points of the tubes, could be usedto supply the incident light to seven different points on the paper web.The reflected light from each of these seven points could be monitoredby seven different systems, each involving lenses and a photocell suchas shown in FIG. 24, and the number seven reflected light path includingalso a filter corresponding to filter 288, FIG. 4. The transmitted lightfrom the first six points would also need to be kept separately, andthis could be accomplished by six integrating cavities and sixphotocells.

As a further alternative the seven fiber optical tubes defining theseven incident light paths could have a second set of seven filteroptical tubes and photocells respectively disposed to receive reflectedlight from the respective illuminated points as in FIG. 24. Another setof six fiber optical tubes and photocells could be associated with thefirst six illuminated points for receiving transmitted light as in FIG.24. This could eliminate the need for the light collecting lenses in theupper sensing head and the integrating cavities in the lower sensinghead.

The last two mentioned alternatives with seven fiber optical tubesdefining the incident light paths appear to be rather complicatedsystems, but they do offer means of eliminating both the mechanicalfilter wheel as well as any mechanical device to control the presence ofultraviolet light in the incident beam.

Still another alternative is to use "screens" in addition to the filtersin the embodiments of FIGS. 21-24. The new photodiodes are consideredsensitive enough to measure reduced light intensities so that screenswith different transmittance values could be used with six of theincident beam filters or with the reflectance and transmittance filtersso that the net photocell output for each reflectance light path, andfor each transmittance light path, would be similar enough so thatseparate and individual pre-amplification for the respective reflectanceoutputs would not be necessary, and so that separate and individualpreamplification for each transmittance output would not be necessary.This means that the feedback paths for the twelve amplifiers ofcomponents 1361-R and 1361-T in FIG. 22, for example, could have thesame resistance values.

The term "screen" is understood in the art as referring to a network ofcompletely opaque regions and intervening openings or completelytranslucent regions, such that light energy is uniformly attenuated overthe entire spectrum by an amount dependent on the proportion of opaqueto transmitting area.

I claim as my invention:
 1. A method of measuring Tappi opacitycomprising the steps of:(a) calibrating a transmittance measurement(TSP6) to obtain a calibrated transmittance value (TPD/TD) which is ameasure of the transmittance of light having a spectral distribution forcharacterizing Tappi opacity, (b) separately calibrating a reflectancemeasurement (RSP6) to obtain a calibrated reflectance value (RPD6) whichis a measure of the reflectance of light having a spectral distributionfor characterizing Tappi opacity, (c) calculating a transmittance value(T) based on the calibrated transmittance value (TPD/TD) and thecalibrated reflectance value (RPD6) such that the calculatedtransmittance value (T) corresponds to the absolute transmittance asmeasured on a scale from zero to one hundred, (d) calculating areflectance value (R_(o)) based on the calibrated reflectance value(RPD6) and the calibrated transmittance value (TPD/TD) such that thecalculated reflectance value (R_(o)) corresponds to the absolutereflectance as measured on a scale from zero to one hundred, and (e)calculating a value for Tappi opacity (R_(o) /R.89) based both on saidcalculated transmittance value (T) and on said calculated reflectancevalue (R_(o)) utilizing a nonlinear mathematical relationship betweenTappi opacity and the absolute transmittance and absolute reflectancevalues, (f) arranging a light source on one side of a moving web ofpaper sheet material, (g) directing light from the light source along acommon incident light path so as to impinge on said one side of saidmoving web, and so as to provide wavelengths of light incident on themoving web having a spectral distribution for characterizing Tappiopacity, (h) arranging transmitted light and reflected light detectorson the respective opposite sides of the moving web to receive light ofsaid spectral distribution from the light source after passage alongsaid common incident light path and respectively after being transmittedthrough said moving web and respectively after being reflected from saidone side of said moving web, thereby to obtain from a common region ofthe moving web a transmittance signal from the transmitted lightdetector and a reflectance signal from the reflected light detector, and(i) separately transmitting the transmittance and reflectance signals toprovide a transmittance measurement (TSP6) and a reflectance measurement(RSP6) and separately converting said measurements to digital form forprocessing at least according to the foregoing steps (a) through (e). 2.A method according to claim 1 further comprising backing the moving webon the side of the moving web opposite said one side of the moving webat a region aligned with the common incident light path, and processingat least the reflectance measurement (RSP6) to take account of thereflectance of said backing (RD6).
 3. A method of measuring printingopacity comprising the steps of:(a) calibrating a transmittancemeasurement (TSP5) to obtain a calibrated transmittance value (TPD/TD)which is a measure of the transmittance of light having a spectraldistribution for characterizing printing opacity, (b) separatelycalibrating a reflectance measurement (RSP5) to obtain a calibratedreflectance value (RPD5) which is a measure of the reflectance of lighthaving a spectral distribution for characterizing printing opacity, (c)calculating a transmittance value (T) based on the calibratedtransmittance value (TPD/TD) and the calibrated reflectance value (RPD5)such that the calculated transmittance value (T) corresponds to theabsolute transmittance as measured on a scale from zero to one hundred,(d) calculating a reflectance value (R_(o)) based on the calibratedreflectance value (RPD5) and the calibrated transmittance value (TPD/TD)such that the calculated reflectance value (R_(o)) corresponds to theabsolute reflectance as measured on a scale from zero to one hundred,and (e) calculating a value for printing opacity (R_(o) /R_(oo)) basedboth on said calculated transmittance value (T) and on said calculatedreflectance value (R_(o)) utilizing a nonlinear mathematicalrelationship between printing opacity and the absolute transmittance andabsolute reflectance values, (f) arranging a light source on one side ofa moving web of paper sheet material, (g) directing light from the lightsource along a common incident light path so as to impinge on said oneside of said moving web, and so as to provide wavelengths of lightincident on the moving web having a spectral distribution forcharacterizing printing opacity, (h) arranging transmitted light andreflected light detectors on the respective opposite sides of the movingweb to receive light of said spectral distribution from the light sourceafter passage along said common incident light path and respectivelyafter being transmitted through said moving web and respectively afterbeing reflected from said one side of said moving web, thereby to obtainfrom a common region of the moving web a transmittance signal from thetransmitted light detector and a reflectance signal from the reflectedlight detector, and (i) separately transmitting the transmittance andreflectance signals to provide a transmittance measurement (TSP5) and areflectance measurement (RSP5) and separately converting saidmeasurements to digital form for processing at least according to theforegoing steps (a) through (e).
 4. A method according to claim 3further comprising backing the moving web on the side of the moving webopposite said one side of the moving web at a region aligned with thecommon incident light path, and processing at least the reflectancemeasurement (RSP5) to take account of the reflectance (RD5) of saidbacking.